But for any sort of regular support its a really pain unless the agent has a "buddy" who can quickly look everything up and somehow help with access. 

Granted, it is more comfortable to take on a challenge with someone else at your side, but this instinct can lead an inexperienced investor to form an ill-advised partnership with another inexperienced investor (who is also intimidated, and who also wants the "support" or a partner).

Scope of Work:Land clearing for 20,000 SQFT of brush, trees, a pond, and a fire pit; re-grade the land, add fill, hydroseed, and black mulch the rock wall before the orchard.Demolition of 1,100 SQFT: 5 walls (two retaining walls), ceiling, flooring, and subflooring.Installation of two 3 ea. x 12" LVL beams and lally columns supporting the open floor plan where the retaining structure used to be.Removal of existing oil boiler, oil storage tank, and existing water heater.

I’m looking for some support on working with a landowner who’s currently building a duplex in the lot right next to my current rental investment property in Columbus, Ohio.

If in fact they did not do what you paid for, you may have a supporter there. 

Then determine the market and the strategy that supports that vision.

@Brandon Mattingly What about certified emotional support dogs?

Unless you’re a very small percentage of people and have access to tons of money/resources, it’s just like anything else- it takes time to save money up from your everyday job to support this stuff.

If I were going to invest in real estate outside of my local area, I would first line up all the help I would need to support that endeavor.  

Im a big supporter of doing things yourself first before you train others to do them but thats a personal call you will have to make for yourself.