If you can find yourself a Realtor that specializes in this type of inventory you'll have more than enough options to choose from & theoretically experience a more professional closing as the Realtor would be using all of the state required forms, licensed title companies & proper deeds etc.....Now all of the above aside no matter how you come across the property whether it be Realtor, Turnkey Operator, Wholesaler or FSBO whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure the experience is as smooth as possible.

If you are a buyer do not use Zillow's contact agent form. 

I’d just like some advice this being my first move after reading and learning for a few years it’s a very big leap for me.

I'm looking to do my first "serious" deal and I'm thinking the flip route is right for me.

You'll have to tell me what they said in order for me to think you can already tell they'll be a bad tenant.

For me as a flipper (flipping houses requires more updates than rentals) my levels are 30k, 60k, and 80k (minimum of 1500 sqft). 

A private lender can have the money ready in three weeks.You get the chance to receive a generous annual return in the form of passive income.

After living in the area for my entire life, I knew this was a future rental property for me, but had no intentions to immediately rent.

for example, I cannot provide references for people that have worked for me. 

Over 370 of us formed the CS Short Term Rental Alliance to work with the city in coming up with a fair and balanced regulation.