If you’re looking for multifamily deals in NC, try connecting with local commercial brokers who specialize in multifamily properties—they often have access to off-market deals.

When I find a property I reach out the agent who is representing the seller(listing agent) so I can have as close to direct access to the seller as possible.

Received access to mortgage portal to ensure all payments are made (including escrow).Anything else here I should do or not do if acquiring for the long-term?

So yes you can exchange it to save capital gains taxes on $266k plus 19 years of depreciation recapture.

Would it be a good idea to refinance and get access to that equity, or don’t and keep the favorable interest rate?

You wouldn’t magically have access to hundreds of thousands of more dollars if your credit score was 20 points higher  TLDR: You aren’t being harmed at all by being 780 instead of 800+.

Validate planning zoning requirements and access to utilities.  

Since teak is a 25 year investment, also look for a secondary purpose or value to each property such as location, river access, future tourist area, etc.There were two lots, 36 and 23 that we bought together.Lot 23 is 32 acres and has 12 year old Teak/Mahogany on it. 

The question is not whether a guest wants your Netflix, but how they can access their Netflix. 

But thats part of the being OOS and as I gain more experience and I better team I can minimize that.