You still have several options, depending on if you want to invest directly in individual properties or be a bit more removed:Full-service turnkey investment: Should be mostly passive after you do your due diligence and pick a provider, but don't skimp on your homeworkYou choose which props to purchase, but have no control over tenanting choices, some say in large maintenance expensesAvg cost for solid B/B+ prop in Birmingham (and some other markets but this is the one I have data for, since it's my market) is about $100k per door; you'll pay market price for a tenant-ready, fully rehabbed propertyPartnering with someone who does the on-the-ground stuff while you provide capitalCan be passive if your partner really knows their stuff, but more likely you'd be fairly involved with the choices madeMore control since you call the shots with your partnerYou can pick which markets and price points you're interested inPotential for higher returns (ie buying distressed and then forcing equity through renovation) if your partner is experienced and can execute consistentlyInvesting in a syndicateMany investors pool funds to invest in much bigger projects like commercial space or large MFRs, or in larger portfoliosVery passive, investors are not responsible for project vetting or management, but you have no controlMay have higher bar for entry, some syndicates require large investments and you'll need to have liquid cash on handBuying shares in a REITLike an ETF but comprised of real estate investmentsVery passive, but no control over which assets are held in the fundHighly liquid, easy to buy and trade, lower bar for entryEverything is a trade-off between passivity and control, time and money.

We are still in it for the long haul, even after fires, drug busts, shots fired, dogs, cats, arrests, abandonment, lies and several other things.

That represents an increase of 3.8 percentTotal dollar volume for full-year 2018 soared 21.5 percent to $28 billion;December single-family home sales declined 4.1 percent year-over-year with 6,543 units sold;Total December property sales fell 4.6 percent to 7,709 units;Total dollar volume for December edged up 1.0 percent to $2.3 billion;At $240,000, the single-family home median price rose 3.4 percent to a December high;The single-family home average price climbed 4.7 percent to a December high of $306,314;Single-family homes months of inventory grew slightly to a 3.5-months supply;Townhome/condominium sales fell 7.8 percent, with the average price up 4.6 percent to $206,760 and the median price up 8.1 percent to $169,500;Leases of single-family homes shot up 13.2 percent with average rent unchanged at $1,771;Leases of townhomes/condominiums edged up 1.6 percent with average also unchanged at $1,532.https://www.har.com/content/newsroom?

Maybe I'll give it a shot. 

Note that I would assume your best shot at mastering all of the above is going to be in the market you live in.

Based on what I've seen and who I've talked to, the market is pretty tight right now on buy-and-hold's, but I'm optimistic I'll find something; I might even give a fix and flip a shot to start out.

Even with the quantum leap in quality in point and shoot and smartphone, a good DSLR with professional lenses is still ahead.For sfh also you would need the now standard aerial shot that can be produced cheaply with a drone.

Since the assets are already so low in value the commissions start off small & usually end up being cut at the last minute by the bank anyway......Very difficult niche to make any money in so finding yourself a short sale expert is gonna be a long shot.

Personally, I feel safer shopping for my groceries in Playa del Carmen than anywhere in the US, where I could get shot by somebody mentally disturbed. 

@Justin Juhan, I thought about that before I went with what I went with... ultimately I was intimidated at the prospect of leveling the floors and went with floating.I’ll give it a shot on the next flooring replacement.