I would highly suggest finding a bookkeeper who specializes in REI as our industry is a different animal that a regular business and the bookkeeping is a bit specialized as well.

I can provide support of checking in on contractors, staging rental properties, walk potential leads to give you an idea of the property in person or what the area is like, meeting with agents, and drafting scope of work for projects. 

If you are a beginner, I highly recommend exhausting your conventional options.

Since it is a family member and I would potentially buy the property for under market value.

Most likely due to wanting to invest his time more wisely:)If you can move in with family or friends RIGHT NOW and rent out your house and start DIY managing it BEFORE moving out of state, that would be best.Otherwise, handymen, cleaners, agents, etc. are highly likely to take advantage of you once they find you you live OOS.

I also provide small shampoo's and conditioners that I get in bulk from Amazon.It is hard to beat either for these kinds of supplies, even if you get a wholesaler to sell to you.

THAT is the kind of value Quest gave.

That's great that he travels so much but ask him to provide where he rented and where he slept during that time. 

Is my thinking correct that homes in highly appreciated areas won't benefit as much from Cost Seg. 

.- I would highly suggest you plan on using a property management company.