I'm located not far away in Orlando, and I also regularly attend the JAXREIA. 

Check out Meetup.com or EventBrite and search for real estate events in your particular location! 

Just wanted some feedback from any other BP members who are location independent, have worked with co-ops, international RE, or just curious.Thanks, George

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

As he noted, if you call some of the mainstream custodians they will say they allow for self-direction but they mean that in the literal sense of doing what you want with the securities and investment options on their platforms, which are traditional investments like stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc.  

We've had the best luck with doing short rentals, loading up all the trash within 24 hours, and getting the dumpster out of there.Not sure what companies operate where you're located, but we use a company called Blue Bin Dumpsters, and they offer 24-hour or 3 day rentals.

I need a site plan and rendering to submit for the permit as well and am having difficulty locating the right person. 

I live in CLT but down in ATX for a bit as our HQ is located here.

What I'm wondering is how we can find some resources to help us better determine one of the key aspects of real estate (location) in a city and state we don't currently live it (but will be moving to). 

It's all about do the positives for you outweigh the negatives for the location and asset type your are seeking.