I am hosting a lunch&learn Zoom call on Wednesday about rent increases, more info on RPAWI. org - a local non profit REIA.

Have you tried local Facebook groups in your area, they are usually filled with wholesalers.

Separately — and this is a more minor gripe — it was complicating my tax situation to pay state and local income taxes in a place I didn't live anymore.I pitched to my parents that I would sell the place and roll it over into a comparable property closer to where I live.

Just go to the local RE meets or forums in the city you want to buy, deals everywhere.

Maybe try calling your local Housing Assistance Program (HAP) office and asking them about this requirement. 

Charles Scheib is a local lender in the Toledo area and he was able to walk through the process for financing.

Therefore, link up with local investors, understand local market dynamics, and keep informed about investment plans, sources of finances, and how best to manage your property.

Go to the local real estate events in these areas, drive/walk the streets, find a local real estate agent who invests in the area or works with investors in the area, and then go from there! 

Let's try some local real estate meetup groups.

Tune in to the BiggerPockets Podcast and connect with the local lenders and brokers.