Sounds like you are an experienced newbie.

A few things that may be helpful to you here on the Bigger Pockets website as you search for a team to support your first buy:You can set up keyword alerts so anytime someone posts about any of the markets you're targeting, or the niche you're seeking, you'll be notified.

What you are experiencing is growing pains; I.e. you’re not totally comfortable with your inexperience and knowledge gap of the next level.I will tell you that most brokers do not have ‘off market’ deals, for residential they run MLS, for commercial Loopnet.

Not that i am too experienced in this field but depending on how they plan on selling it, i'd just make sure that you get some clarification in writing as to their intent - for example, are they going to treat you as a wholesaler, or are they going to treat you as if you were their real estate agent representing them.

As for the remote locations, I've considered Indiana and Michigan because I do a fair bit of traveling there for work and know that I'll be able to check in on the properties periodically and meet with my team on the ground. 

That's a great path to growth.A few things that may be helpful to you here on the Bigger Pockets website as you search for a team to support your first buy:You can set up keyword alerts so anytime someone posts about the market or specific neighborhoods you're exploring, you'll be notified.

Are they a VERY experienced agent with a good track record who really knows your market? 

Can anyone recommend a property management team that would be able to deliver fair and honest service?

I think you can invest anywhere if you can establish a great team that can assist you!

Craigslist doesn't have a team of people reviewing complaints or fraudulent posts which is why Craigslist is such a mess.The best solution is to add a watermark to your photos.