If the agent can send you comps or sit down to go over them with you then you both can be on the same page.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Hey @Mordechai Chaimovitz - It sounds like you are talking about Chicago's NW side because there are definitely tons of areas in Chicago where a 2 flat can cashflow well.I know for me buying on the nw side was critical to my personal well-being and life happiness. 

I didn’t know anyone in Alabama, so I called a few agents I found online and ended up picking one from BiggerPockets.

If you don't get access to the property before closing it can be tricky but if there are recent photos online or you can walk through before and take your own then it is much easier.

It is tax free in the sense that you will not owe taxes today on the cash-out.

If it's zero, put in a zero, line through it, or something.If you don't use a manager, line through the entire clause and then you and the renter should initial the beginning and end of the line as proof it was agreed to.NHG  (D) As used in this Lease, Landlord’s “Authorized Management Agent” means ______________________________, address:___________________________,who is also authorized to act on behalf of Owner for the purpose of Service of Process and accepting Notices  NHGYes, you would check the line next to the form(s) of payment you accept.

A lot of the deals that I analyzed (and passed on) over the past 12-18 months had unrealistically thin margins, and I saw the same thing on some of the loans that I looked at.

You subject yourself to a lot of risk on DIY.   

In my experience, success in D-class areas almost always requires being local, extremely hands-on, and self-managing.