There is always SOME manual work, but you can cut out a lot of the back and forth-- definitley.

Here are my two cents...I recommend starting in a market with strong fundamentals, such as steady population growth, an influx of major corporations or large businesses relocating to the area, an affordable cost of living, and high rental demand.

Also you should inquire with insurance agents about the cost to insure.

I feel like there's still people trying to make BRRRR deals work close to the city and the truth is it's nearly impossible given prices, rates, and the cost of construction.

The truth is, they will keep playing games and milk you for every penny they can, then they will leave the house a mess and cost more with cleaning, repairs, and vacancy.

Also factor in if the rents jumped a lot and if that would lead to a vacancy, which will cost you more in the short term. 

Unless it is a new build, and it comes with purchase warranties are an extra cost and may or may not even be executed when needed depending on the circumstances. 

I paid it off within the year, so it cost me no interest. 

I have found that they worked really well when it comes to getting better tenants and better rents, and having less hassle, less headaches, and then getting a higher sales price; without paying closing costs or realtor fees.

Typically starting with a smaller rehab budget of $50K or less (maybe a max of $75K) and avoiding a 1 to 1(or higher) ratio of purchase to rehab costs is recommend when you are first starting out.