The property prices are more reasonable compared to many other markets, and there seems to be a healthy demand for rental properties.

Is it the high upfront costs, finding a reliable lender, or something else entirely?

I completely understand the challenges you're facing with finding reliable information.

depends on the quality of the assets and the reliability of consistent rental income.this is an age old argument and really a personal choice at the end of the day.

If you have a reliable trust-worthy agent who has connections in most markets you don't need a PM. 

If your goal is financial independence, you need reliable tenants.

In my experiences, Section 8 HUD tenants are very reliable and courteous to the property even in bad neighborhoods, and all tenants that I have worked with pay their own utilities so that has never been a concern, but I can imagine how that would certainly be a nightmare for the owner of a property if that were something that were happening.

Tenants are not the most knowledgeable or reliable people when it comes to telling if a property is deteriorating or not.If you haven't been there over a year, and there has been a consistent leak that the tenant hasn't noticed because it's on the exterior of the property.

In your experience, is this a reliable indicator?

However, when you have the right resources—whether that’s a mentor, a toolkit, or a community of fellow investors—you’ll gain the confidence you need to take action.Having access to reliable resources allows you to feel supported and prepared.