Would love to hear from someone a few steps ahead of me how you handled these challenges, but all advise is greatly appreciated!

Not really but you want to make sure you get this all lined up ahead of time.  

I'd be inclined to do it locally unless you have family down there that you visit.

Also, they should give you a heavy discount if you are still moving ahead with the transaction 

Do you have plans to visit soon?

I have the cash to purchase it outright, but I'm looking ahead at ways to get most of my cash back out.

I hear stories how people bought out of state and relied on their agent for everything and never even visited the property, it sounds like you're just begging for someone to rip you off.

Visit your local REI groups.

I want a head start for my kids just like every parent.

I've been visiting those forums pretty frequently and some of your responses in them helped get me ready for buying my first place both by helping me know where to look for spots and breaking through the analysis paralysis