I know some state and local governments have laws on STR and of course thats a important factor.

That sounds like a pretty good plan, but I would make a few suggestions:1) if you think it may have had squatters or the previous residents would come back, board up the windows too while you're doing the work. 2) If the property was occupied by the owners or tenants, you may need to file an abandonment notice and wait 10 days or so (check your local laws) before changing the locks. 

It looks like home depot doesn't have a tool rental locally there. 

If you need a good local investor friendly agent referrel DM me I know a great one in FBX - and if you come through to Anchorage let us know!

Does anyone know of any local credit unions that will do property investment mortgages in MD area?

I would contact your local title company and get a straight answer. 

You should find an expert to work with (after careful screening!). 

The $500 one had a local number; I called it and left a message, but they never returned my call.

Expand your network and explore social media events and make sure to connect with local lenders and brokers.

If I hadn’t of quit I’d likely be worth about $20M today given the way my local market went during the intervening years and the different opportunities I had.