The Long-Distance Real Estate Investing book is a great one to get the lay of the land on doing it from afar, but getting on-site experience will also be important in your journey.

Are you hiring a GC or planning to GC on your own? 

It's not really about the area, it's about the spread on that deal.

These can be fairly automated for you as well to help save you 10% which on 2 units could be well worth it. 

I've been mulling over something and wanted to get your take on it.

If you are renovating your rentals you need to let the current insurance company know what is going on, if they send an inspector out there within the time you could get kicked from the policy too, and not easy to get back on one.

Quote from @April Birdsong: I will be closing on my 1st STR/MTR this month. 

Don’t rely on wholesalers to run numbers for you.

These are the keywords that stand out to me in your question:sources, websites, best deals, systems, step by step, factors.You are focused on all of the wrong things.

If you’re on a tighter budget, corrugated steel is a good compromise, offering a solid roof at a more affordable price, but just be aware that it might require a bit more upkeep down the line.Best of luck with the roofing decision.