I recommend talking with your lender PRIOR to making the offer if you're relying heavily on this financing plan. 

Because real estate agents aren't going to play buyer agents for foreigners that maybe are going to buy, unless you're high net worth and looking for expensive properties.

Yes SMALL fee however is the norm, I know most out there , happy to recommend 

Do you foresee those older areas having high possibility of excellent appreciation over the next 5-15 years?

he suggested to leave it since it is a high traffic area.

My husband and I are looking to buy our first ever real estate investment out of state (we live and rent in NYC. we do not want to buy here due to high cost of properties and high tax rates).

Highly recommend.

I would highly suggest you do not start remote for your first deal.

It’s highly passive and there not much to do other than network and marketing.

I would start to look to connect with people in your local area and see if there are meet ups to attend outside of learning here online.