If it is an independent or small regional bank they might deal directly with agents.

I ended my career as a regional property manager and still answer the phones for the multi-Housing Association to help out property owners with questions pertaining to anything rental. 

In between flips, I thought of diversification to other regions and I invested in Plano, TX,   South FL & OH. 

Hi @Michael LewisWhen I built my rental portfolio out of state (I live in CA and bought in TN), I had the most success with building  a relationship with a local/regional bank.

What's the BEST or MOST UNIQUE advice you've received so far about investing in real estate during a recession?

I know material costs and labor costs are regional but the number of man hours it takes to pour a foundation or slab or paint a room should be consistent.

Honestly, we kind of took a flyer on this one, not really knowing how to price it when we went to sell, and knowing that we were taking a bit of a risk since it was such a unique house.

If that doesn't work, work your way up the chain of command (regional manager, vice president, president) appeal to their sense of fairness.

Here are a few local resourcesOne ColumbusColumbus 2050 BlueprintColumbus Crane Watch- Interactive MapColumbus DevelopmentColumbus Downtown Development CorporationCity of Columbus Capital ProjectsColumbus NeighborhoodsOpportunity ZonesOpportunity Zone ProspectusTax AbatementMid-Ohio Regional Planning Committee

I'm a broker/investor in Alabama with a unique situation.