If you have extra taxes then you should absolutely account for them.Contact Vrbo, Airbnb and your local authority and see if they are automatically taken out or if you need to submit the extra taxes.

Google search some local site in the areas you're searching too.

Local vs out of state can mean finding a good PM in both cases or managing the local one themselves.Starter homes are usually good.

IE they have warehouse lines with either investment houses in New York or large banks and as such there are underlying rules for them to follow.PML or HML who has private investors in their fund or brokers for them will have a different set of underwriting rules that maybe tougher or easier depends on the company.you meet individual lenders private folks who do not advertise or hold themselves out as a lender at REIA meetings and networking.When i used to speak at these events first thing I would do is ask the audience who if the room is a private lender usually half the audience raised their hands..

And when you say seasoned, you are referring to the six months the property has to be in your name before a financing event can occur? 

If you know of any good Facebook groups or networking events where I can meet and learn from awesome investors and entrepreneurs, please let me know!

Here's a strategy to try.Go to your local library (or their online portal). 

On the Lis Pendens for this house, there is a local real estate broker listed as a defendant alongside the homeowner.

I was hoping a local bank could help but they aren't very good at returning calls apparently to get free money from me haha. 

Since you won't be local- it may be worthwhile to use a property manager.