Considering self managing a rental over an hour and a half away

[Sean Tracey]

I would like to hear some fresh perspectives and ideas from the community on how to go about making this a feasible situation. Since all I can do during my capital accumulation phase is read and think about REI, I end up giving myself anxiety about imagining all the potential headaches that could occur. I've tried to remain positive and think creatively about how I would solve hypothetical scenarios that come to mind.

Since most emergencies require police, fire departments etc., few situations should necessitate my immediate presence as a landlord. If I get a call about something not working, and they want me to come take a look? Sure, have a video call to see if it's something I can diagnose remotely. Doctors are literally seeing people via phones and tablets nowadays, even prescribing medicine. Landlords should take advantage of this. Contractors need to work on the place while vacant? Install a lockbox outside, install IP cameras inside. Send contractor the code, cameras turn on so you can keep an eye on things from your phone at work. You're good to go. 

I understand that many situations will require my presence, and if I get a bad tenant, or a bad contractor, those methods will cease to work. Tenant could be hostile, contractor could still screw me over. So really, it looks like screening will be the most important factor. I'd be interested if some of you could either poke some holes in all this, or just offer advice based on what you've gone through as a landlord that wouldn't have survived if you were this far away from your property.