Having local family gave me a built-in support system, market familiarity, and the confidence to manage a property from a distance if needed.

See restrictions of a DST below:Because a DST (the Trust) is a tax-driven structure, there are certain limitations imposed on what the Trust (and the trustee, the asset manager and the master tenant) can do.

Quote from @Noah Laker: I'm a local broker and investor, and manage 100+ Airbnb properties for clients.

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.

You should consult with local property managers and find what the average DOM would be to lease your home and rental rates etc. this would be a good starting point. 

They held a webinar for the Ekahi fund and told them they fired the property management, false they quit due to lack of funds.

Try interviewing at least three managers.1.

My top recommendation is to begin by contacting property management companies in each target area.

My partner and I have a couple units we manage as well in Washington DC.

I think you should go through with this project.