How do I manage property out-of-state if I'm just starting out?

[Ben Wakefield]

I live in Los Angeles, and every day I read things on BP and elsewhere that it is very very difficult to find deals here when you're just starting out and don't have a really solid team working for you. So I have been considering looking out of state in the state I grew up (Michigan) and really like some of the typical rates I'm seeing.

But if I invest out of state, is my only option to hire a property management company to take care of my tenants/units? Losing 10% off the top would make it even harder for a first-time deal...

Any advice on how to rent out of state for your FIRST property? Or is it a pipe dream?