Out of State investing 101. Turnkey or bust?

[Mike Schelske]

Hello everyone,

I have done a little research on out of state investing, turnkey seems to be the easiest and simplest option. I have heard there is another option that is similar to turnkey but safer, but I haven't gotten specifics. If I were to pursue turnkey or some other out of state investing option I was hoping to get an idea of indicators and strategies for investing out of state.

1. How to find and identify good property mangers, or PM options?

2. How to find good turnkey providers?

3. Other options to turnkey, I work full time and attend college.

4. Free or cheap sources for research of the properties.

I have read a few articles that have said that turnkeys are bad because of poor location, or false information, the renovation wasn't done properly. I have also read that the returns aren't as advertised, that they turnkey is slow to grow be an effective investment.