Be sure to research rental demand, zoning laws, and financing options before deciding.

You can't even drive by and look at a tree before you decide if it needs to be trimmed up or cut down.2.)

However, the tax treatment differs between short-term and long-term rentals:Short-Term Rentals (STRs): If you materially participate (work 100+ hours and more than anyone else on the property), you may be able to offset rental deductions against W-2 or other active income, offering greater tax benefits.Long-Term Rentals (LTRs): If your AGI exceeds $100K, your rental losses may be limited, unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REPS).If you plan to expand your rental portfolio, consider an LLC later for liability protection and easier management.

SFR with ADU is no problem. but if you're considering adding an ADU to a multifamily property, consider the limitations you're creating on your back-end buyer if you decide to sell, or your own financing if you choose to refi. 

@James TobinJames, congratulations on deciding to take the first step into real estate investing!

The key to investing out of state is finding a good property manager.  

My account manager has basically gone silent.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I manage hundreds of rentals and most of them are caulked every 5 - 10 years.

With the way my portfolio and pipeline is arranged I can understand why the construction management or brokerage verticals are most enticing but it still feels too transactional which is what I want to avoid.