I heard about bigger pockets from a friend of mine that has successfully built and rented multiple properties in our area. 

You can invest OOS but the biggest thing is working with an investor friendly agent.

I've been advised to hold each property in an LLC, however I've also been advised that insurance on properties held in LLCs is more expensive and harder to get.I have another friend whose properties are help in a trust.

Is there a friend, family member, or colleague that has real estate investing experience?

I have some guesses as to what the problem may be, but I need a good, investor-friendly plumber. 

She's not your friend and you're not her caseworker.

Very nice to meet you, my friend!

" And I respond , " No , if they were you would be cozy warm all winter , and cool as a cucumber all summer , you wouldnt turn off a light , and your friends would be over doing their laundry " 

@Austin BullThere are a lot of us here that are Investor Friendly Agents in the greater Phoenix metro.

That's one of our biggest risks it seems, however, ND is more friendly than the MN side.