BP offers a calculator that you can use, or just use a basic excel spreadsheet, or even pen and paper is fine.Decide what you want to invest in....Flips, rentals, development, STRs etc...In terms of finding deals...you will have to put in some work.

Home prices and rents have basically doubled in the last 5 years and I really think it's just going to keep going. 

I understand the basics of legal entities and that his company, Corporate Direct, provides these business formation services and has their own CPA recommendations.

Is it specific to STRs or just a basic commercial policy?

Which is basically just reported on your schedule E/C and taxed just as normal.  

So basically my best options are to keep things simple: rent out the property as a whole in the other state or buy a house in my state and just get some roommates?

@Eric Fichera, so as you can see from these responses, basically everywhere. :)I tend to agree mostly with Stuart.  

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

However, this result basically ended up with me (the client) being transferred to a new property manager with the company.

Some of the best skills I've learned are basic real estate math and finance —being able to analyze potential deals to see if they are feasible and can generate good profit or cash flow.