We weren't doing anything special.

For finding agents who specialize in working with out-of-state investors and off-market deals, networking is huge—connect with local investor meetups, join Ohio-focused Facebook groups, BiggerPockets threads, and reach out to agents who advertise themselves as investor-friendly or who have strong rental portfolios themselves.

Im a local Chicago area investor and joined eXp Realty to specialize in representing investor buyers and to do a few personal "commission free" deals per year.

Special allocation inside an LLC operating agreement?

If you have an unfair advantage in real estate then leverage that and if you don’t then just go with stocks and bonds as you will be much less likely to lose money that way.

You can find one that specializes in STRs. 

We can absolutely use more knowledgable agents who specialize in helping investors.

I am looking to invest in a condo for rentals that has a fully funded reserve, no upcoming special assessment and 1300 quarterly HOA fees.

Hire a top notch management company who specializes in student housing.

Foreclosures will be on the rise within the next 12-18 months for sure.But, they keep their internet, their cable TV, their special "it's for me" drink at Starbuck's.