I've learned the hard way to value of a good PM and I have no desire to independently manage them remotely.

I think each neighborhood works independently from each other, depending on the different criteria that buyers choose.

Without knowing a remote location well or having a quality trusted team in place, I would be very hesitant to pull the trigger on a deal like this without having ALL of my facts straight and independently verified by multiple sources.Not trying to talk you out of it.  

While rewarding and the pay is great, everytime I see my paycheck and the taxes come out, I ask myself, there's got to be another way to make enough to achieve financial independance. 

A published application time window is such a great idea but It never occurred to me.

@MariaIts great that you have a private bathroom for the guest.I would certainly do a rental agreement (independently of what portal you will use).Re: background It all depends on your comfortable level.

This paragraph does not apply to a person who only publishes or disseminates verbatim information provided by another person.

Beginning this year I have been aggressively studying financial independence and more recently been drawn to real estate.

I don't know any Agents in your neck of the woods, but if you use a local Independent Agent they will be able to shop lots of companies for you, some of which will allow you insure for less than replacement cost.

I focus on Independence rentals, myself.