If you want to stay local, you might need to start with house hacking a home.

He has been working on properties his whole life so he’s a great resource and partner on getting the work done but as this is my first purchase and reno, I am looking for a few suggestions on finishes so I can finish working out my numbers.The house was bought from a local investor who seems to have run out of money and was offloading about 3-5 properties in my area.

You can join local real estate investment clubs or online forums to expand your network.Education: Continuously educate yourself on real estate investing strategies, market trends, and property management best practices.

I spoke with a local builder today, same message: their specs are sold out.

Listed Rent would be between 3500-4200 per month depending on a local property management company strategy.We have assessed our budget and goals while in Europe and would not want to maintain a mortgage in USA (vacant) AND a rental payment in EU.further details: we are 3 years into the loan at 2.625% int, primary and only residence owned, house will need 2 new AC in next 2 years, water heater, and driveway repairs, would only rent with a property management company as we will NOT want to manage from abroad. 

@Bob Sislow Well, it’s all about local demand/market and price.

If you can find cash flow locally, I would certainly go with that option. 

There may be local jurisdictional variances that preclude the state law.

@Daniel MeaseIf #4 is important to you I would actually go offline and build lending relationships locally no fintech is going to really care about you and your business they are trying to monetize and plan an exit.  

Welcome Saad,I would suggest you join your local REI group on Facebook.