Many locals here.

Portfolio loan through a local bank that we have a good relationship with.

Go through your local SBA and/or government websites to obtain the proper documentation and do it yourself.

Amenities like a quick commute with good parking at a safe location matter more than hot tubs, and managing tenants is a lot more like an LTR (FF does not "do the work" like AirBnB).MTRs are a great way to serve a population that serves the community, but if you want to make a good return, it's important to remember the end-using tenant at all stages of the buying, rehabbing, and designing process.

If you do not know any of above, get to a local RE meeting and learn 1st.

The Market was a second tier city, but had the traffic and demographics to support any Chain however some of the National Chains don't understand the nuances of a local market. 

I use Eufy home security, no monthly service fees, up to 1GB local storage, and they have GSM cameras if not local WIFI.

I've been approached by a local real estate investor to become his "private lender" on fix and flips he does. 

I tried networking in a few local groups on Facebook but I don't know these people well and their recommendations have been a part of my failed search so far. 

A home on a rented lot is harder to sell because of mortgage / borrowing restrictions (educate yourself on local lenders too).