There’s a big difference between self managing your rental (finding tenants, background checks, leases, collecting rent, coordinating issues, etc.) and fixing the mechanical problems that come up.

Never paid anything except an agent's commission for a lead, never paid for a background check, never paid to trace a skip.

So here's some background: I work for appliance company in Baltimore md so I'm constantly in and out of neighborhoods.

@Michael Heredia if you are asking for info for the application and background checks I’d suggest looking at Zillow or Cozy applications.

Given that you'll be moving across the country, be VERY careful when screening prospects and only sign a lease if your background screening pans out and you have a good gut instinct on them. 

A little background: This will be my first investment property, so I don't want to take on too much risk.

I would expect all of my clients to ask me these questions:1) What is your background and what is your real estate experience?

With that said, if you want to make the offers and a tenant takes you up on it, do a very thorough background check.  

However, I have a background in design. 

My background is in predevelopment, I have over 8+ years experience in permitting (residential), surveying (platting),  some commercial real estate, marketing and I'm also a real estate photographer, so I'm very knowledgable in those areas and wear many hats, but I'm clueless when it comes to the areas that follow after development.