My team mainly focuses on first time home buyers because there are a lot of people out there that do not know about down payment assistance or how much better buying is over renting.

Even then, its usually some assistant calling the does not know what Continent the property is located on.

Look in the lender directory here at BP for assistance. 

They advise clients about market conditions, conduct walkthroughs, and provide guidance and assistance through the process of buying, selling, or leasing properties.

Hiring an assistant has the best move I've ever made.

We did supplement investors rents or other costs where we feel we could have performed better as a company or even where we felt they had taken extraordinary steps of faith with our company (such as purchasing 5 or more properties) and we felt we could and needed to assist. 

You can expected rental rates to increase over time, however, connecting with a local realtor who is familiar with investment strategies should help put you in a better position of understanding of what areas will best fit your financials budget and long-term goals as well as possibly being connected to local contractors and financing assistance if you decide to pursue additional properties.Do not be detoured by neighborhoods directly - check out the comps and, since you're local, drive by the areas you're hearing the most about and see what is being done to increase appreciation.

So maybe some locals might be able to provide some assistance with who they use in this type of a scenario? 

The low cost of doing business, diverse business base, availability of professional and skilled workforce, intermodal transportation hub and quality lifestyle continue to attract people and business.

If you plan to work with international investors, then you need to have an attorney and a CPA that are well versed on the topic and can assist you and your investors with various questions and services that will be needed to execute upon such transactions.