@Robert Medina Online presence is something I'd look into before setting up those appointments to interview, to save time and effort knowing that you are talking to someone who at least has a level of expertise.I tend to look at these things to start: What impression do they give you online (professional or not/resourceful or not)? 

@Gabe Bouldien@Chris Seveney and @Doug Smith are mostly on target, but there may be a small window of opportunity.Any contributions you make to a current employer plan will be locked into that plan.You may, however, be eligible for an "in-service" distribution based on the language in your plan document.  

Not all tax professionals offer that as an option, but some of us do, and it can be a fairly inexpensive service.

Unless of course, the taxpayer shows material involvement and claims to be a real estate professional, spending 750 hours per year.Employing a property manager to manage out of state properties makes it virtually impossible to stay actively involved and spend 750 hours. 

Not implying your agent is taking advantage of your beginner knowledge just to offload a property and get dual agency commissions, but again, might not be the worst idea in the world to have someone in the Bigger Pockets community who's local/understands the Charlotte market to take a look at the deal you're getting ready to move forward on.As far as inspectors, I would recommend one that we use for our business that is in the Charlotte/surrounding areas.Precision Inspection Services - Steven Lee - 704-575-2917

I found this deal through diligent market research and networking with local real estate professionals.

DSCR is the most popular of the bunch (debt service coverage ratio - basically you qualify on the property cash flowing rather than your income and DTI).

Establish your Core 4 to Real Estate Investing.Building a strong team of professionals helps you navigate unfamiliar territory and maximize your investment journey.

Does time taking care of (mowing/landscaping) and managing (keeping records, paying HOA dues, paying taxes) my vacant parcels count towards my 750 hours of being a real estate professional?

That said, most will (at a fee) provide mobile notary services.