SEO (search engine optimization) is also very important and costly, emphasizing the importance of hiring someone who knows how to do this.

Often times these units in the cities sell for for a higher price per square foot then the SFR if it even exist in the area.This is a great point that I would like to re-emphasize and elaborate on.

I can't emphasize enough that you really don't have a deal until there's cash (deposit) in your hand (and even then tenants will try to back out).

Of course, things can always change, but I know he emphasized before we signed a one-year lease that he is looking for a long-term, stable place to stay for the entirety of his program. 

So many place have only the W&D hookup; I like to think it makes me more competitive by offering the total package That re-emphasizes that real estate is very local.

And by (your word, emphasized) "FINDING" there are all kinds of expectations and conditions that are tacked on when you talk about brokerage... like the act of FINDING will screen for those ready, willing, and able to buy your property.

Jack Lee - I'm not sure of too many other ways to go about purchasing investment property as an absentee landlord without using a PM, BUT I know there are investors on here who are successful investing out of area and still managing the properties themselves.I disagree with Dale Osborn and I am sure he is extremely successful as an investor staying close and managing himself, but good discipline and proper due diligence, there are many investors who do very well using PM's to manage their business.I cannot emphasize enough how you cannot simply be passive about your investments because you contract with a PM or invest out of area.

As Primo and MikeOH emphasize, build a local base and build up your cash flow and experience.It's a lot easier to become a 'local' expert regarding good/bad neighborhoods, rental rates, property prices, etc. in your own back yard - then it is to gain the same expertise in a strange place.

I cannot emphasize enough- check ALL references.

Price labs emphasize using it and just wanted to understand it better.