Single Family House Rental Property While I am on Different State

[Abebayehu Gechere]

Hi, I am a newbie to real estate as well as to BiggerPockets App. I am making a research to buy a single family in Virginia, DC, or Maryland to rent. My vision is to have an additional sources of income. I contacted one of the agency. I am working as IT guy in Birmingham AL. My plan is to buy a house and rent it through property management or work with my friends to manage it. I have a couple of close friends in DC areas. I never owned any property before. Any advice to be successful? THANKS

[Jim D.]

If you plan to move there anyway next year, I would strongly suggest just waiting until you're there to buy property, especially if it will be your first time buying any property. There is a lot to learn, and you'll want to see it in person and meet the people you'll be working with in person.