First, there are about 6 states that I refuse to invest in because of their tax laws and what I consider to be an unfriendly business environment.

I agree with many of @Alan Asriants' points, especially when considering OOS Sec. 8 investing.A lower price point or smaller investment doesn't always mean low risk.House-hacking locally could be a better transition depending on your goals and situation.

If @Drew Sygit doesn't have a local person for you, I have CFO clients in KC, MO that have used this firm: https://propertyvaluationservices.net/services/protest-taxes...

Every state has different laws regarding a notice to terminate/non renewal of lease.

The transaction netted near $1m but he had a 50% partner (not me, his sister) so he netted half (land transaction on large scale ADU development - https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/working-for-you/new-...). 

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.Thank you! 

My mother-in-law is saying that my wife needs to sign off on the loan.

As Jay mentioned they must be NMLS licensed if owner occupant of in several states even commercial needs licensing.The NMLS is like the database, each state has a division of banking that oversees lending requirements then you also on the federal level have CFPB as well as consumer protection laws.I want to add that I believe yesterday the CFPB is undergoing changes, but if it goes away that does not mean that many of the laws in place especially consumer protection laws would go away. 

I think Landlords are better off using strong policies, knowing the law, acting quickly and professionally.

Quote from @Saquan Johnson: I would reach out to local rehabbers in that area and also higher-producing agents to get this info.