I am an experienced investor and unexpectely find myself managing a duplex myself and wondering if there is a small landlord (aka inexpensive) simple solution for marketing, background checks and lease creation that markets on zillow? 

The key is making sure you have the right team in place—outside of market research, finding a trustworthy property management company is one of the most important factors in making long-distance investing successful.

You can find examples of a payment ledger online.Use another section for tracking maintenance.

I would take Travis advice to heart as he is from the area.My advice was going to be to find an agent or PM or an investor who is making it work and follow their lead. 

Specifically in finding quality contractors servicing the Island. 

You can shop 10 or 20 lenders in a weeks time, find out what products they offer, what rates, what overlays and qualifications they each have for you.... 

If the house is listed on the MLS and everyone else has passed on it, then you didn't "find" it. 

Verifying last 2 years of rental history and income extremely important to find the “best of the worst”.Make sure you understand the Class of properties you are looking at and the corresponding results to expect.The City of Detroit has 183 Neighborhoods we’ve analyzed.DM us if you’d like to discuss this logical approach in greater detail!

Try to find something that is surrounded by residential homes if you can.

If everything is negative, then I tell them I am also an agent who also "finds great deals for investors."