I'd prefer a more suburban area but I could honestly live anywhere, as long as its not too bad.

Investors typically won't care that you're representing the seller and others will prefer that you're direct to seller.Listing it on the MLS will get the most inquiries for the property.

I always prefer to have a local attorney experienced in PML in that state.

I prefer driving for dollars and use my mailers from a 3rd party company after building my list.

I have preferences but not set on any market in particular.

The majority of buyers appreciate the expertise that a good agent provides (local market knowledge that can only be gained by being active in the market buying and selling all the time, looking at most of the new listings in person or at least online daily, a background in or at least understanding of building construction, relationships within the network of professionals in the industry doing deals, vendor referrals, legal protection through E&O insurance and keeping up with constant changes in approved contracts and required disclosures and forms, negotiating skills (the average person is terrible at negotiating directly and has no desire to, I find Americans are uniquely averse to negotiating and prefer to outsource it but I digress), etc.).

Once you get through move in, the day to day management is pretty hands off and easy (famous last words, but so far, so good).Other than that, get a second opinion/eye from someone you trust - preferably a professional designer - on the furnishings and design.

My preference is Single Family, although I currently own some mobile homes, some parks, and some small multi-family as well as notes on land and houses. 

Do you prefer single families?

They prefer owner-occupants, but like local investors.