Total Newbie in Maryland - Looking Into Long Distance B & H

[Adam BunduKamara]

Hello Community-

My name is Adam, and I have absolutely no experience with buying houses, rehab, flipping, etc.  I became interested because, I have a friend who owns a duplex (out of state) which she rents out.  One side full time, and the other as a vacation rental.  She's done really well, and I'm interested in trying to do this myself.  I'm just concerned about how to make this work "long distance."  She was in town when she purchased, rehabbed, and rented, so she could stay on top of things.  I would only be able to be on site part time, if I chose to do this.  Just looking for advise on ways others may have done this, and made it work.  I've read lots of advice where people say to avoid long distance rehabs like the plague.  Before I get totally discouraged, I'd like to see stories of folks who have done this (successfully or unsuccessfully) and then decide if I could make it work for me.

I'm also interested in everything else.  I may want to start flipping in my area, as well. 

Thanks!!!

Adam-

[Adam BunduKamara]

Originally posted by @Michael Boyer:

hi Adam, welcome.

Try the search "out of town" on this site. I think I saw over nine thousand forum posts.

The pros and cons may be there...

So you will have a mangement firm handle it or try to manage for afar?

For a first time home purchase ( or just a first time investment?) an out of town, rehab, investment that you could not oversee may not be ideal in my opinion...you would be relying on the kindness of strangers at so many points .... but I really like the spark of interest and I would really try and nurture that and you may find it leads you to your first home or investment....

You're right,  There are thousands of posts to keep me busy. I'm sure to find some useful info.

I'm torn between seeking professional management or just doing it myself (with the help of locals, eager to make a little cash).

"you would be relying on the kindness of strangers at so many points" I've been reading and hearing this a lot. Even my friend, who's already doing this, warns me that I can't just "trust" that things will be done right, if I'm not there to oversee. It gives me a lot to think about, for sure.