:) Its generally a good idea to know the condition of a property or level of expected repairs so you can anticipate those repairs and build them into your bid for the property.

Anyways- the good: For an entry-level investor, you will not have many other options.

I seek properties that are to some level distressed to rehab into rentals.

Not many condos here stretch rental market to another level. 

I would figure out the market of interest in those states and then on the micro level look at neighborhoods in the market.

These homes when done right are absolutely incredible and offer a level of caretaking most seniors will unfortunately never get to experience, yet deserve to.  

There are short-term rental management companies that can help with that.One that I work with in Michigan covers the entire state and can advise on local short-term rental regulations or regulations that may be on the way, they can give you an analysis of the demand for short-term rentals in that area, nightly rates in that area, monthly occupancy percentage, and projected monthly income.They also let you choose the level of service you would like from them from full service to minimal.To your success!

Real Estate in personal name saves taxes at your personal level if planned correctly.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

If you are interested in investing in the U.S. market I think that there are better options depending on how much capital you have available and what level of involvement you are looking for.

I know Philly at a very high level, but not the details to talk about neighborhoods.