Advice for a new long term rental investor

[Desiree Board]

I'm new to investing and wanted to get some advice/perspective on 2 things...

1. For someone new to real estate investing that wants to do long term rentals, do you recommend starting off in an area close to them/an area they're familiar with or someplace that will give them the best return even if it's out of state. 

2. Since this would be my first long term rental property do you recommend starting with a property manager from the beginning or managing the property myself.

I understand that there are pros and cons to all of these scenarios, I'm just looking for various insights. Thank you!