Buy house in AZ as investment?

[Jeff Brown]

As a new investor/first-time, I'm thinking of buying a house in Arizona (Phoenix suburb like Surprise) and rent it out. Houses appear to be cheap (~100k) for 2,000 sq feet property and monthly rent is above $1,200 leading to likely positive cash flow. Long term is to live there when I retire but for now, will need a property management company as I live in Illinois. Any tips/advices for me? Should I look elsewhere? Any success stories in AZ/Phoenix area?