I believe you have to register with FEMA first, then you will actually get assistance in the form of a loan from SBA at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Register1 My friend and colleague @tami dubose is going through the process now and she's the one I got the link above from.

Should we change our thought process and look to make an out of state purchase where our capital goes farther but we won't be able to keep as close of an eye on it? 

If you went into the business transaction with a serious attitude and a professional process then yes they absolutely would. 

It's a bulky process so make sure you have the right lender involved.

@Connor Wingfield,Do you already have the property identified, or are you still early in the process?

He knows the process inside and out and has a team in place to make the process as smooth as possible!

It's been a LONG process but it's finally coming full circle .

@Brian BurnsI've been thinking of doing this in my area as well, THere are a few properties that have just gotten flipped, and another one (that I know of )that's in the process.

I fear that the whole process of foreclosing on a property and actually getting my money back will be a LONG process.

What role do you have them play in the process, especially when you are doing deals in different areas?