Call local Agents in your area they should be able to reccomend someone reputable. 

Since completion my partner, who was local, has moved and now we are stuck with a property that has gone unmanaged. 

@Anand KhannaI'm in the Reno, NV area and have multiple local lenders I can connect you with. 

The following actions can help you connect with nearby investors:Attend Local Real Estate meetings: Search the Lawrence and Kansas City areas for seminars, networking events, and meetings related to real estate investing.

You can also look for local investors or meetups and get first-hand recommendations.

If you could help to co-ordinate this one and round up your local folks, would greatly appreciate it.

Gaining long-term equity and having renters cover most of your mortgage is a great investment strategy, especially if your local real estate market suggests that selling may not yield the desired returns at this time.Regarding your plans to purchase a home in Ohio with a lower monthly mortgage, I would suggest exploring the local real estate market and looking for a property that suits your needs while keeping costs manageable.

You can do something simple like transform a garage or unfinished basement into a "wellness center" for about $10K and then make business connections with local yogis, wellness practitioners, hold meditation retreats and specialized events.

Will you be investing locally?

Read as many books as you can, and start attending local real estate meet ups in your area.