I'd definitely double check and triple check your local/city regulations in regards to rentals, so there are no surprises as to what you can do legally. 

Definitely want to consult with a local realtor or real estate attorney 

I don't have any local meetups but there are a lot of online groups.

If they go away, 5 will replace them, one call to two guys saying I need a plumber with 5 years experience, 5 will call me within an hour.Change your guy, just like everybody said, show him who is boss.

Although I have knowledge and experience in my local market, I am most interested in some out-of-state options as I like those opportunities better than what I have locally but know little about where to begin evaluating those markets and the pros and cons of the different states.

I would love to get some advice from locals or any real estate expert with experience in Maryland on the best locations (cities, neighborhoods, etc) to buy this type of property at a fair price.Thanks in advance!

We highly recommend though, having a local expert that you can run addresses by, to confirm the target property in on a good block before signing a purchase contract.

Sounds like oyu are getting b.s. from the plumber.

I'd recommend going around your local community there & finding a credit union that does this!

I do have multiple income sources; rentals took over as the largest about 5 or 6 years ago, just a few years before I retired from a career in military/local government.