This is regarding a tenant occupied property that has needed a new roof for 6.5 months (hurricane Michael). The public adjuster has been working on this for me for five months to expedite the payout. The public adjust...

Thanks for the tip!

Also, I have kids and a mortgage so I can't just quit my job and take on real estate full time to begin with, though I do want to make the jump once I am more comfortable.

I'm hoping that some of the friendly BPers who deal with manufactured homes will offer advice, tips, resources, etc.

I'm also toying with the idea of getting my RE license and going that route as well. 

I certainly would be vigilant when selecting someone and allowing them to live in my home with me and my kids; but you would not be the first, and if you pick right it might reinforce the family unit and teach your boys about sacrifice. 

Any other tips for a first time out-of-state buyer?

Any tips? 

I currently hire property managers, but am toying with the idea of managing a couple SFH myself. 

"Market" rents and your rents may be based on very small things, such as floor plan layout, updates, other tenants (are kids always running up and down the halls making it less desirable?)