Finding a Great Property Manager - All reviews in my area don't look good

[Cynthia Rinne]

Hi,

I am preparing for my first investment property for a rental :)  Due to the high cost of where I live, I will have to buy about 1.5 to 2 hours from my home.  The google plus and Yelp reviews are disappointing.  I know you have to take the reviews with a grain of salt, but it makes me nervous since I know that a bad property manager can really do a lot of damage.  I looked on NARPM.org and there are NONE in that area.  There is one property manager that is about 30 miles away.  I don't know of any investors to get referrals from.  

Any advice for minimizing the risk in choosing one?    

I'm assuming a contract is signed.  Is it possible to get out early if you are unhappy?

Any thoughts on taking on the PM aspect from a distance?  I work full time. I am in real estate for my job so the leasing aspect doesn't scare me, I have access to the forms and people who can help with that.  Just wondering how to handle showings and maintenance since I work 8-5 M-F.    

Thanks for any help!

[David Avetisyan]

Originally posted by @Cynthia Rinne:

Thanks to everyone who commented.  Very helpful information!

@Matt Groetelaars Do you know of any areas in CA where there are deals AND good property managers? :)

 And that, my friend, is the sixty-five thousand dollar question!