You will benefit yourself far more in the long run by networking locally and finding a seasoned real estate agent/broker that specializes in working with investors, both building and liquidating portfolios. 

Ask local law enforcement who the trouble makers are. 

The New Orleans agent was able to connect us with a local lender.

Hi Jessica, are you able to invest locally?

Building Codes and Permits: Insights on navigating local building codes and securing permits for this type of conversion would be incredibly helpful.Potential Pitfalls: Are there any common issues or unforeseen challenges I should be aware of when undertaking a project like this?

You can probably find basics of these forms online and then have a local attorney clean them up and make them compliant for your state (or the lawyer could draft them although they'd be a bit more expensive).

go to the local FB forums and attend local RE meetings. 

I just got word from a trusted friend who owns a large local property management company in PF.  

My guess is that it is localized. 

Have you had success networking locally?