@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!

Hello everyone, I am analyzing the Indio, CA market as a short term rental investment and we'd love to speak to someone who is self managing their own vacation rental.  

I'm a broker and property manager here in Sacramento, I manage about 100 investment properties, multifamily LTR and STR. 

You can always reach out to my property manager and talk with them about the comparisons.

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

Your plan to house hack a multifamily property in Indianapolis is a great strategy to start building equity and learning the ropes with manageable risk.

The same is true with property management.

It is surprisingly easy to manage out of state and if you want more tips on how, check out Bigger Pockets book "30 Day Stay" on Mid Term Rentals. 

We manage a property that was having drain field issues for awhile, got estimates and had the owner approve one of the vendors.

Build relationships with local agents, property managers, and contractors who specialize in investment properties.