I'm presuming you are referring to the geographical area where I can physically inspect properties and make decisions on lending?

It is THE place to outsource.My advice would be to get on the platform, create an in-depth job description of exactly what you're looking for and go from there.

You can also pay an additional $500 or so to have the agent's help with negotiating and paperwork (you still would have to take pics and write up the property description), but I decline this option since I am pretty comfortable with the whole process now. 

Simply a letter from my employer requiring our change job description? 

The description above covers the demand side.

Once you get further down the road and have multiple properties, then you can spread that risk out so that if you do encounter a horror story, at least you will also have multiple good things going at the same time to spread out that bad experience.I think the best thing you can do from here is to narrow down what geographic area you are most comfortable with and then start developing a team that you trust can do all of the heavy lifting on your behalf.

It's great for geographical farming for real estate agents.

Your description of the land makes it appear to be in a rural area.

1031 into several SFH rentals, geographically diversified?

Look at your deed and read the legal description and what it includes.