This will be a long distance rental for me so I would like to make sure I have a strong local team in place. 

I know an important member to have on your team is a lawyer, I just don’t have a clue how to go about getting one.

Do some market research, find an area you like...then build a team, and start doing your homework!

That's a LOT of lost income.A general theory is a 10% or greater increase is basically a 'get out' signal.  

BP Team,Thank you for all your help this far.  

I have been working on flipping some cars recently and working on a social media marketing team with a friend that supports political campaigns.

Nothing was lost, as anything that was damaged was well compensated at the small claim court.

Hi Michelle, A general help on strategy read my paper on buying rentals, linked off my profile 1st paragraph, How To buy a bullet proof rental portfolio.A 2nd help is if you are serious about setting up a system, team and set of local peers, you should consider joining the local REIA that I ended up choosing for all my local support, contractor referals, legal helps etc.   

Focus on creating your team that aligns with your goals.

I am looking to establish an extended team of people, CPA, Attorney, Lendor, Handyman etc...