<<< Of course that is what I am trying to tell you but don't confuse 'advantage' with 'different' -- if your goal to is maximize your return than you should be more hands on; if your goal is more to save time and hassle then let someone else do it all for you; in the end you get what you put in. I

What is their incentive to pay the rent at a location they are not living in? I

So, like everything in life, the work you put in is what makes you successful here.

All of which may factor in. I

Quote from @Dennis Knapp: I Have one double that I live in i bought as an investment just to help pay my mortgage.

For my clients, in every city I am set-up in I have an agent who pulls all the comps and writes up an opinion on the value based on size, area, finishes, market. 

What part of (or zip code within) LA County are you looking in? I

Quote from @Nelson Dibble: I have found several vacant lots in my local area that I am interested in.  I

What city are your properties with them in?I

you will definitely be on the list when come time to find a PM.Quick question,As a PM specialist around Detroit, what city/area would you recommend a brand new investor start out in. I