Lender strategy for long distance properties

[Scott Luetgenau]

I have a newbie question.  I currently have three rental properties where I live (Raleigh, NC).  I'm looking at other communities around an hour outside of Raleigh for rental property investment opportunities.  The market in Raleigh is insane and I'm just totally priced out.  

The question is: should I look for a lender in the long(-ish) distance community I target or should I continue to work with my current lender in Raleigh?  It'd be a primary residence for 6 month - 1 year before renting it out and moving into another property.  Many thanks for any feedback!

[Eric Weireter]

@Scott Luetgenau - No need for the lender to be local (to the community)... 

Geographically speaking, lenders obtain their licenses by state. So, your local lender in Raleigh will still be able to help you finance a property in Mebane, Greensboro, Charlotte, Wilmington, etc. If you are to purchase out of state, that is when you would need to find a lender that is licensed in that state.

On two occasions, I've worked with lenders based out of FL but were licensed in NC.