I also hope to have the flexibility to focus on a personal goal of non-profit work involving real estate at this stage.I look forward to conversing with all of you, including building a reliable and trustworthy network of colleagues.

The location of the lender doesn't necessarily impact your chances of getting a mortgage or the efficiency of the process however, local lenders have a better understanding of the local real estate market and regulations as they are more familiar with appraisers and other closing professionals in the area which can expedite the process and you will get a more personal touch and easier communication.

Get out to networking events (especially if it's hard). 

I want to be understanding (despite some unwelcome commentary about my rental during a second tour that went on for nearly 1 hour after lease was signed...) and professional, but this sets me back to step one of finding a tenant while maintaining two mortgages/bills and outdoor spaces. 

I am interested in how rental losses work if income is over $150K and if not a real estate professional. 

Can a qualified real estate professional with a W-2 income above $150,000 be allowed to write off rental losses on my tax returns?

Having professional remediation is unbelievably expensive to pay rent on all of the equipment, monitor moisture content multiple times daily, and ultimately cut out some of the sheetrock to replace it.

Going forward, I would proceed to learn as much as possible, network with others that are flipping currently, and understand what and why flippers are doing in your market. 

If you decide on out of state market, I would network with local investors and ask for their feedback. 

Also very interested in networking with other investors in areas to find contractors and local help.