I went back to Memphis last year for the first time in six years to find all is as advertised with very minor exceptions.We have picture inspections done every four months, cost $75, because I'm a trust but verify guy.Good people, good service.   

Build sleeping pods that are mostly soundproof (double walled construction) and ventilated. 

Fortunately lenders are starting to seeing the bigger picture and comp these additions more in-line with multi-family, rather than SFH which it is. 7842 Lasaine Ave, Northridge.

We needed to build more there but the cost to build has doubled and the return is t sufficient.

BTW you said you have a 9-5 so keep in mind you cannot double dip on the employee 401k contribution.

Things they did bad which I wish I had asked more information about:Never involved in the screening of tenantsThey recommended keys for cash by waiving the rent amount buy only collecting fees which they would get not meThe cost to evict is 750-950 yet other companies told me they will include eviction in the priceThe tenant didnt pay in full last month and I was the one calling out to them and asking questions then a few days later I get an email saying something happened with the tenant and they are investigating.You get passed from person to person every week or so.No one told me when the construction was complete and so the house was ready for a week and the post to zillow and other sites was not done.It took them another week to take pictures and then another week to upload it.I was paying 200 dollar a month electric bills while the house was vacant because they left the AC running in the empty property.

Double check your lease, all the legalities and still check with the landlord....

Online metrics can be good, but they wont paint the whole picture. 

Mine was also out of state, in a town I’d never visited, and I relied heavily on videos from my agent.This sounds like a tough first deal, but it seems like you have some capital on the side, which will be useful as you face the upcoming challenges and learn from those expensive early mistakes.Regarding the subject of this post, “help me adjust my expectations,” I’d recommend assuming that; repairs will cost twice as much as you estimate, maintenance and vacancy rates will likely double from your initial projections, there’s a very real chance you may lose money on this deal.That said, there are ways to mitigate these risks by:- Keep asking questions here on BP and connecting with local experts- Stay proactive and communicative with your agent and property manager.And remember “Inspect what you expect.”Im not trying to discourage you but to help reset your expectations.

Add a picture you've personally taken of the property if you use postcards.