I was picking his brain about the attitude and culture of the locals towards real estate investing and out of state investors.

My primary strategy is Fix and Flip, and I bring a DIY attitude to every project.

Tough hit, great attitude.  

That is often a matter of opinion and will depend on the attitude of your municipality.Most municipalities do not require neighborhood approval, but will offer the public opportunities to provide input which will be considered.

Have faith and keep your attitude right. 

When I subsequently asked the tenant over the phone how many cats she had she said four, which is likely half the number she actually has, but is still a lease violation.At this point I feel like it’s pointless to even ask if the cats are neutered (and therefore less likely to spray urine on walls) because clearly she is willing to lie to me and her attitude seems to be that she makes the rules not me or the lease.

Q has handled it manfully, with gratitude (“it could always be worse”) and attitude.

Most mentors are more oriented toward the positive mental attitude of slugging through finding a property, which can be trying to a lot of people.

Strictly advice to move forward in these ventures.Your attitude may be the best thing about your ability going forward. 

Most are folks that have the emotional control of a 5 year old, controlling attitude, an omniscient narrative in every thread & topic, act like an online hall monitor, and constant attention seeking.