I know it is a challenge to do it long distant.

Good idea Deuce, but I would never put money out for a search and then find some distant aunt is also in title and won't sell.

The "norm" of 6% is going to become a distant memory, some of my other colleagues across the nation have seen commissions dip as low as 1% in some parts.In this day and age you have to get creative with your multiple revenue streams and any agent, wholesaling is a great way to make another means of revenue.

I am currently based in Vermont but due to a number of factors in the state (property taxes chief among them) I really do not want to purchase anything in the state and intend on moving out of state in the not too distant future (ideally to a state with much friendlier property taxes). 

No issue with current tenants and they are looking to move in the not too distant future. 

Other considerations are a distant choice. 

And guess what folks, we're going to have a tightening of the market (much like @Michael Haynes is eluding to) in the not-so-distant-future.  

Then do your homework, and what if its worth $300,000 but being sold to a family member or distant cousin for a rock bottom price? 

There are too many horror stories of investors buying in distant cities and the property manager not doing his job. 

I appreciate the offers and I will likely take you up on the offers in the not so distant future.