They offer flexibility in design and can be customized to include a business space.Shipping container homes: While trendy, these can be challenging for mixed-use (residential/commercial) purposes due to zoning and building code issues in many areas.

I’d suggest drafting a solid agreement upfront that covers everything—ownership percentage, costs (mortgage, repairs, utilities), how profit is split, and even exit strategies if one of you wants out.

As an out of state investor, I would find a solid agent who understands real estate investing in the area and utilize their expertise. 

They were poor in development, the ability to utilize there resources, to tap such.

That way, you're getting paid without having to interact directly with the tenants, screen them, collect rent, drama, etc.I've worked with some of the population that utilizes group homes.

i can't speak to what their overall customer service has been because we only know what's in your post. 

@Vincent Aiello - and for payment, do you utilize paypal or another online portal?

Over all, a portfolio of DIVERSIFIED (as to residential areas) properties utilizing a buy and hold strategy should provide an adequate risk adjusted return without utilizing any other “opportunistic” strategies to “gig” the ROI.  

Do most of them include the utilities in the monthly fees?

For example, temporarily stopping utilities to their unit during a repair or if there will be loud noise or a major renovation on the premises.