I choose my brokerage based on the mentors, but outside of them, I am just reading a bunch from other successful agents. 

More of a buck shot approach.Find a reputable, experienced (loans and investing) loan officer that does hard money.

At that point, we're free to live wherever we choose to in the area, don't pay capital gains on the sale as long as we keep the investment property within the rules of the Opportunity Zone guidelines, and get to both gain equity and slow down the timeclock on finding a new property.  

If I'm not, my clients will choose another agent.

I HAVE THE MONEY IN PLACE, I UNDERSTAND I NEED TO BUILD MY CORE 4 IN WHICHEVER MARKET I CHOOSE, I JUST WANT HERE WHAT YOU MIGHT DO IF YOU HAD MY MONEY AND GOALS IN MIND.

You or your lender should be able to calculate the interest savings over the life of the loan if you choose 3.5% vs 4.0%. 

You are going to want to find a reputable contractor and have him take a look.

If so, do you want your reputation as a landlord to be positive or negative, or do you not care?

I personally have a small printed letter with a professional look to it, I handwrite the owner's name, address, and signature and mail them in a colorful envelope.Whatever you choose to do, as it's been said many times; be consistent and persistent.

Choose the Market: search that specific type of property in your chosen market.