Then, start building your connection with local agents, contractors and property managers.2. 

I’m just getting started and looking to soak up as much knowledge as possible—whether it’s about finding good deals, managing renovations, or understanding the financial side of things. 

We currently own/manage properties across a few states including Hawaii so we aren't new to managing short term/mid term rentals.

I had to relocate to Ohio to manage it.

Their company is pretty great at not responding to their communities people , not following local law yet alone their own lease agreements The uptick of lot rents I get it it’s business but also driving out affordability for people which again it’s a business so some may say that part is just the territory , but not following lease agreements , hiring poor management and then doing nothing about it when it’s escalated is a reflection on their business aswell   best of luck. 

I property manage STR in the cape cod so this is actually good info

Good pro tip is to not tell the tenants you're moving into next door that you're the owner but just affiliated with the property manager.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I want to remain local in NJ or at most drive down 1hr to PA (self-manage or, last resort, hire a PM)However, I must also consider maintaining reserves, a safety net for my primary home, and an emergency fund.It's just hard for a new investor now :(

You'll let them break their lease and hand them cash.I manage 400 rentals.