I feel if a person doesn't have the time or desire to get on a plane to look at something they are dumping hundreds of thousands of dollars in, they probably are not that suited for this business.

I live in a very desirably town in upstate NY, refinanced at a super low rate, so will keep the house as a rental.

PM companies who charge a flat fee have no strong desire to rent out your place because they get paid either way.

Expensive markets are often desirable because many people want to live there, driving up demand and prices.Reno, NV, for instance, is a market that benefits from diversified employment sectors, including tech manufacturing, hospitality, and recreation.

There is a mortgage so that also adds to the amount desired, though my inexperienced self still feels it would sell for a pretty penny once fixed up.

After considering some of the variables and running the numbers again, I'm looking at pulling a HELOC on the property as a way to hold on to the current property, but also have flexibility in investing in some other OOS markets.I do think Bend will continue to appreciate and grow as a desirable market so I'd like to hold onto the property (plus it has great cash flow!).

And most regret it.I'll make the opposite case: it is VERY hard to screw up when buying i.e. a duplex in good condition in a desirable neighborhood and either self-manages or hire a quality PM to manage.To any new investor who is reading this: In real estate cost and risk have an inverse relationship.

Single families are generally more desirable for tenants & you also get longer staying tenants most of the time. 

Maybe we could combine our desire for a meetup in the Huntington area work on getting people to attend together.

The blessing was that my desire to get out of Corporate America was stronger than my lack of belief in myself.