I'm trying to figure out how to get pre-approved/financed before I depart to make the transition smoother.

Also spend a minute on the Ohio.gov department of commerce site for real estate, lots of good information there as well.

A colleague of mine recommended organized property tours that depart from Manhattan and venture to various towns on day trips showing various properties for sale.

This is less of an issue if/when you sent the rent to market rents, but the whole process of doing this is not trivial due to the insanity of the Union City building department and other agencies involved.

Let me know what they say ask for someone in their business department.

Do you know what department he works in?

To answer your questions, you should talk to the building department in your area.  

I have a dear friend that come from the Philippines. 

I bought a SFR in April that was financed through a local banks small business loan department.  

Dear BP community I have began researching real estate a few months back and it led me here.