A property in Allentown, may seem convenient in location, be really close to promising comps, and have good valuations, but only a local expert or someone from the Pittsburgh Area would know that you probably have the market area too wide. 

How would an appraiser determine value without local, recent comps?

But in some jurisdictions there are no local laws prohibiting it and likely few to no local law enforcement will enforce federal laws...But, I think the point you are trying to make is worth noting - it is no longer hidden or considered taboo. 

Also 4th quarter of last year Packwood and county officially did discuss potentially regulating STR's by either limiting numbers or adding a tax to cover increases in local services that are needed.

If during the next 2.5 years, the owner redeems the property i get the money + interest back, but lets say they do not redeem the property. 3)  Within the last 6 -3 months of the expiration of the redemption period, I will file a petition at the circuit court for the tax deed 4)  At the same time, after filing the petition for deed, I will need to send "Notice of Expiration of period of Redemption" Take Notice to the county so they can mail it to the home owners and any interested parties informing them to redeem asap. 5) I will subtax early the following taxes as soon as they are generated by the county. 6) Inform the property owner in three ways, certified mail from the Circuit Court Clerk, being personally served by, the Sheriff’s office; and notice being published in a local newspaper. 7)If the taxes are not paid and the last date to redeem passes, the tax buyer can apply to the Circuit Court for an Order directing the County Clerk’s office to issue a tax deed to the tax buyer.

At the state level a law was proposed to place additional 15% tax (on top of local occupancy tax) on STRs.  

But it does vary wildly - I work with a larger firm, we have in house professionals who focus 100% of their time on state and local tax / sales and use tax, various aspects of international, employee benefits, trusts, estates, gifts, etc, in addition to various industry focuses - and as a result we charge higher fees because there is a significant amount of very specialized knowledge floating around that is at our clients fingertips as they need it. 

Join a local REIA. 

I found a few local mentors who helped me get started (free of charge, just bought them coffee/lunch when I needed advice), and then found a mastermind.

Can you recommend any strategies for finding and vetting a reliable and communicative law firm specializing in real estate transactions, particularly those that might not be local to the property?