out of state investment in multifamily house

[Lenin Belangonda]

hi

I own a single family rental property in southern ca.  I have been doing it just over a year and that gave me little confidence to explore investing more.  I am thinking of buying 2-4 units in phoenix, az.   I have a friend living there who can help me with occasional visit if I need to check out anything.  But I have to hire a good property management.  This is where I am being cautioned by everyone I have been discussing this idea.  It seems impossible for a newbie to find a good property management. 

My plan is to take cash out of my house and put it as down for this investment.  I started working with some agent for refi and i might be able to get pre qualification.  The math seem to work ok but big variable seem to be property management. 

So far the advice I have been getting are all pretty discouraging.  So wanted to check with some experts here.

[James Waldrep]

Property  managers are difficult for small project. One,if they have similar properties in the area that may help. the quality of the property is also a factor. Some properties are very management intense and would not meet the p.m. standards.  The cost of professional managers may limit the appeal of the property.