I highly recommend using local lenders.

One option is to have a local attorney there be the agent. 

Read everything you can here on wholesaling and then attend your local REIA meetings.

I would connect with a local realtor to get some opinions 

For the passive investors more comfortable with syndications/REITs/CLOs/MREITs/debt funds etc, not wanting active private real estate was thinking more about relative value, Do you think there may be value in certain indoor mall/central business office that has been beaten down so much?

Would love to catch up one day to discuss the local market. 

I am not sure how you are intending to manage, but beware the local labor pool is not the greatest and I think you may have some issues finding either decent management or finding decent workers if you intend to self manage. 

Sharkbite did release a new reinforced press on fitting but I don't yet trust it enough to use one behind a wall.Plumbers in my area also prefer plastic fittings over brass due to hard water although I have yet to see a brass fitting fail locally.

She is our local expert. 

I would suggest you find a good local hard money lender.