I currently work with investors who are looking to begin their portfolio in turn-key real estate and manage for them on the back end so they can still enjoy their everyday lives while having a resident in place paying down their loans. 

If you don't have the relationships, hire someone who does.This is why Brian Burke can go “large corporate” while I have to stay “small private”; he has the ability to MANAGE PEOPLE that I do not.  

@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!

On a more enterprise scale, I employ RevMax software as well as a fractional revenue manager who looks at the prices daily on a market level and a comp set level. 

@Corbett BrasingtonIf you are communicating with the seller directly, better to have less people talking to the seller.The realtor can have some roles as follows1) Connect you with his references for property management / contractors / title companies / etc2) Give you comps to indicate what the property is worthBest of luck

I recommend doing a deep dive in the STR rabbit hole and seeing if not just the numbers make sense, but also the time it will take up for you or your STR manager.

I would like to speak with local investors, real estate agents, property managers, lenders, etc. from the area.

The same is true with property management.

Taking small, manageable steps now will help you make informed decisions when you're ready to invest.Good luck!

Even better if you can work for a property manager or real estate compnay.