I own and house hack a duplex that abuts a parking lot for a small strip of retail businesses.

I recommend a more organic approach of meeting other local investors, genuinely taking an interest in what they're doing, and genuinely trying to help them succeed.

I'd also connect with some local experts in the area that you want to invest. 

Long story short is that my tenant apparently had some friends that stole from a local corner store and were hiding out in my building.

It also help to join conventions and attend Real estate local meet ups in your area to understand your market and make connections. 

This wasnt just local agents but they were from all corners of the state of Maryland . 

The best spot to find handypeople is not on those main lists, it's in local Facebook forums because you can find a question about handypeople and then see multiple people recommending the same person in the forum.

Anyone want to bring me one in my local area, I'd be interested in partnering!

Most agents I talk to seem to think seller financing is dead in my local market.

I prefer to invest locally to where I live as it eliminates a lot of potential challenges and I know the market well.