Locate a notary on http://www.123notary.com close to where the seller lives and they arrange to meet at the seller's home, office or nearby restaurant.  

A nearby property won't do you any favors if it barely makes any money.And don't be afraid to manage from a distance as it's completely possible whether you go with a property manager or self-manage.

I’m looking at the Annapolis,MD market as well as the nearby eastern shore.

-I'd try and market the home in nearby areas with high Mormon populations.  

Most faculty and students are part of the church and will not tear the place up.Also nearby are the San Bernardino Mountain communities--Crestline (local County lake for non-motorized boats, recreation and swimming, forest and hiking trails such as to heart rock) , Lake Arrowhead (private lake, allows boats, -make sure the lot has lake membership, some tv stars have vacation homes around here), Running Springs (closest to Snow Valley for skiing), Big Bear (Lake and close to skiing, but more expensive property). 

You can show crime rates, see if there are schools nearby, grocery stores, etc. and it overlays the map of homes for sale in those areas.

Are a factor in the single family communities, maybe not so much for apartments.Grocery stores . . .are there several near by, or are the only options dollar general and Aldi . .

Originally we were going to “house hack” and stay in this house a year then buy another house nearby and rent this one out.

I have been fortunate to not have any during the day or night.However, keep in mind there are hospitals nearby where doctors, nurses and other medical professionals work.

I went to Bank of America (it was near by) and opened a secured credit card.