From most OOS investors I am speaking to this is where most of the attention is, so be prepared for competition - seems that this forum was revived from the dead but to answer the original question with a few practices you can manage the air-bnb yourself to get higher occupancy, I would recommend educating yourself on tricks for the platform those will make the biggest difference - definitely helps having someone take care of your air-bnb account and for completely hands off investing do that but just previewing/welcoming who comes in can be done remotely in a professional manner I have seen it done in multiple states. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would recommend starting with a local / smaller lender as they can give you more attention vs a rocket mortgage. 3.

Does anyone have recommendations of a good lender in the area?

Asking here will only get people to recommend their areas for the most part, but you should do this to determine the best area to invest out-of-state1. make a list of every place you and your wife have ever lived2. make a second list of where you closest friends and family (the ones you like) live3. use those lists to ask questions and review good investment market listsWhen you see something from 3 that is on 1 or 2, that is a good place to start if it fits your budget.

Shop around is what my recommendation would be

I would appreciate recommendations.

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.Also, I recommend reading “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing: How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties” - I found it to be very helpful when I got started investing 2.5 years ago.

If you were to switch locations, I would recommend a location that has already dealt with STRs.

Tampa and Orlando are both very strong demand and price, but provide some safety with appreciation and Florida overall being sought after.I can recommend an agent for you to utilize in Tampa or if you are interested in Orlando, let me know.