Hello! Seeking advise on out-of-state purchasing

[Sebastian Garcia]

Hi fellow investors, my name is Sebastian and I joined BP a couple of months ago. Since first listening to the BiggerPockets podcast and reading several books on rental properties, I closed in on a duplex in Lake Charles! I used the "Analyze a rental property" tool and am now cash flowing $350 total each month. I have learned a ton by performing some cosmetic repairs on the unit which was vacant, but becomes tough when at work for 12 hours/day. My business partner and I are looking for new opportunities to continue to grow our portfolio but our areas are not hot right now (Lake Charles) or are too expensive (NY/NJ).  We have been looking at the different types of rentals and potentially purchasing a turnkey in a different state, but would appreciate advise on what to look out for and how to develop a trusting relationship with people over the phone/email who you have never met in person. Can anybody comment on this and share your experiences?