A local Realtor or property manager would be able to advise best. 

I'm a local central Houston Real estate agent, investor and developer.

The person I am working with is a local and also mentioned that it is a desirable location with low crime. 

Looking forward to meeting local investors and hearing new ideas!

and same above deduction applies similar to as if it is local STR and self-managed ?

you can consider a sale pitch.. but just remember one usually has better advertising through the MLS, also better access/availability unless you have time to field all the phone calls and arrange showings.  

I’m a local agent/investor and specialize in small multifamily purchases. 

As and out of state investor it is always smart to build a local team you can trust.

We have been going to local meetups instead to network for our construction and development business as a way to build capital and partner with other investors.

We were not first-time investors but what we learned about asset protection was from investing OOS.The other thing we learned about investing OOS was to treat it as if you were local.