Make sure the zoning, local building department/regulations, and neighborhood allow you to put a tiny house on your property and rent it out.If that is not possible, using that money for the next property makes sense.In general, I think increasing housing density will help provide more badly needed housing affordably.To Your Success!

I've also signed up for New Orleans REI meet ups in the upcoming weeks in hopes of making valuable connections in the local market. 

I recommend you call a local agent or broker to give you a better lay of the land so you understand the challenges/opportunities in this area.

Evan,  As a local broker, I’ve assisted many clients with the entity transfer process, often referred to as a "drop and swap."

But honestly, have you just tried going to your local bank to see what they offer you?

Look up local investors on social media and follow them and comment and like their posts so they get used to seeing your name.

Local CPI for this period is 3.6% so max increase in 8.6%. 

I drop them and use a competent local RE agent, who did a great job.   

Just started our own firm investing in and managing property in our relatively new (~5 years now) home in Charleston, SC.Happy to be a resource to anyone and look forward to making quality local connections!

However, especially if the investor is buying in an area they are not familiar with, they probably will not know the nuances of the local area.