This situation makes me think how so many people believed the lie the US govt told people that their home is their biggest asset Well ah yes if you want to sell and live in a lower priced house. 

My price range of 100 to 300 per square foot should be accurate, I believe.

I dont believe this is common outside of MD/DC however.

I also believe in the longer-term upside of the neighboring city and am excited about the potential equity growth there.I'm curious, for those of you who have invested from afar like this--what single resource or piece of advice will made the biggest impact on my success investing in another city?

For example, I believe an attorney/broker can't broker a deal and do the legal work on it (however, I would like to see if there is a way I can do that as I want to be more of a "one-stop shop" for my clients).   

Homestead is growing and I believe this will be sold at above listing price based on my research.

I am a huge believer in actually renting them to get the best return. 

Don't believe anything the seller tells you.

We don't believe she will be the only one handling them, and do not believe she will be totally honest with the numbers and info she gives us.

Here in Indianapolis, I believe the average is closer to 6%, with the selling and buying real estate agents each getting about 3%.Thanks for the feedback.