Property taxes will likely be reassessed based on the transfer value, so confirm local rules to anticipate potential increases.If you hold the property for at least one year, you can use the equity as collateral for a construction loan, aligning with your long-term financing plans.

The BiggerPockets community is great for guidance, but nothing beats local mentorship.

For example, I’m in Orlando and CFRI is the local club.

They can offer valuable insights into the local market, potential rental yields, and specific considerations for a rehab project like the one you're planning.

For several reasons (property taxes, politics), I would prefer to begin real estate investing somewhere other than locally. 

I'd rather invest with the local 26 year old who lives in their second house-hack, drives their 10 year old car, and is raising their first small apartment syndication that they will self-manage, putting their own money into the deal, than some 45-year old guru who's secret sauce turned out to be their ability to charm on TikTok, but really, their approach to deals ended up being the "secret" to transforming $300M in real estate into $215M between 2021 and 2025.  

That sure is a pretty looking bridge, I hope the local people find it to be a very useful thing.

And a local resident is usually very helpful.

It seems you and your husband have the ability to make a property more desirable and I would try to stay local for the same reasons you listed. 

Here's a link https://www.oregon.gov/ODA/shared/Documents/Publications/FoodSafety/ServiceAnimalsposter.pdf You're mixing things up and only looking on a local level.