So a question, haha, and forgive me if this sounds incredibly naive - how about getting a property manager or someone else with boots on the ground to do the underwriting by visiting in person etc.

because we have a strong demand for them and great str laws.The Triangle is visited year-round by travelling professionals in the research, medical, IT, and education space.

Always good to look at the setup and look at the meters while you're visiting the property.

Security systems are easily outsmarted, that’s the point of the initial visit, to case the joint. 

While many out-of-state investors may purchase properties without an in-person visit, first-time buyers or those new to real estate are strongly advised to conduct a site visit.

We now have 400 hours in the bag, and hitting 500 is attainable during your first year.But what if you only spent 2 days visiting this property and from that point on outsourced all work?

i'd pick a market close by, or that you have a personal connection to, or that you visit often.chasing cash flow by itself can lead to negative outcomes - for example, these investors bought in supposed "cash flow" markets:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...hope this helps.

If anyone in the forum is interested, send me  DM, I'd post it here just not sure if BP will allow it.I visited and like everyone felt in love with the country.

Multi-family for me has been the way to go and has left me assurance that even during vacancy, I will be covering most of my mortgage. 

@Steven Hamilton II I want to mention that My husband and I both reside in California, and I manage the property remotely from California via Zoom calls, and also physically visits the property.