How would you suggest going about finding a deal and managing it out of state.

These properties are often easier and more affordable to manage.

I don't want to bite off more than we can chew with managing a full reno while we learn the ropes. 

@Colin Ford recommend getting experience with your RI duplex before going OOS.You should DIY manage the unit next door, so you LEARN about property management, the goog, the bad and the ugly.Then you'll be so much better prepared to invest OOS!

Our manager’s credit score requirement is 550, but even that has been hard to satisfy.

I was delighted with their service and be happy to do a introduction for you to my contact manager (I am not associated with the company nor do I receive a referral fee).No business cards but line of credit yes.Revolving LOC? 

We charge a transparent monthly fee for this and our digital property management platform - but we are not a local property manager.We also give owners the ability to use a repair triage service and our vendor network, or address repairs with their own handyman.Our goal is to make renting better for owners and residents.

If you don't want to manage the property at all, you are losing money on the management when small scale management is not hard at all with a little help.

3) Buy a few out of state properties directly through an agent and work with a property manager to manage them? 

Managers will quit or worse.