It's hard to keep contractors on track when you're right there monitoring what they are doing but far more difficult when you are thousands of miles away and you are just one more client to them.

I would never have bought some of them if I could not be here to monitor things.

But my ultimate goal is cash flow so whether I decide to invest out of state or in a Chicago neighborhood that has good cash flow, I'm keeping my options open and monitoring the market for the next 200 or so days before I refi out of my FHA and look to make my next purchase. 

If the former you'd need to constantly monitor things and the proportions to avoid issues with whatever laws/rules there are.  

With keeping up with all the various REO sites and properties listed on them, and monitoring particular properties that go from Listed, to Under Contract, to Back on the Market , Price Reduced, etc....

Find out how many units are in the process of being built and  what permits have been granted to estimate further building activity and monitor land sales for more projects in the future.

Maintenance and unit turn costs are also very important to monitor Along with marketing and DOM, we monitor showing data, applications, denied vs accepted, where the prospects came from.

I’ve been monitoring Suwanee for awhile, mainly because I might move to the area for better school. before covid it’s hard to find property under 300K but right now less investor/buyer are looking, lending is tight, less cash buyer in this price range.

Collect rent payment, maintenance request and just to monitor payments.For lease signing we have always used eSign by Adobe, it's well worth the $120 a year cost.

Yes , mike has given you valuable information , heck he should bill you for it.Make sure there are records of what's going on , tape record if possible (It may be required you inform him that the call is being monitored, ect).