We use campfire to do 90% of our conversation even with our team all in house. It helps kick off conversations, save them for later and keep everyone in the team on the same page. I think before you start hiring remote talent you need to build in that communication strategy to your core team.

Very much agree that in-person bonding, whether working side by side or having a beer, are important. If you do have a remote team- try to build in time for the whole team to be in a single office every other month at least.