https://www.zillowstatic.com/bedrock/app/uploads/sites/42/20...https://s3.lightboxcdn.com/vendors/2f364418-7ee6-4cc6-9d34-6...Here are the states that "require" move in checklists https://eforms.com/rental/move-in-move-out-inspection-checkl...

Leading up to the deed in lieu, we performed our own site visits and the conditions we observed do not align with the information in the inspection reports.

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and would ideally like to invest in IL since my family is still there and can serve as a home base for whenever I need to be in the area, but with IL property taxes being as high as they are I'm also scoping other markets in nearby states.Does anyone have any general advice for buying / investing long distance?

2) If not, is there another way to run the comps on a similar site?

I have found a market that serves some of the needs I want and have already built somewhat of a network there.

There are books available on this site about property management and also a good book you might want to read is Property management for dummies.In Florida a big alligator on Real estate can be the insurance costs, and roof replacements.So talking to an insurance person about these things, which may have different costs in different cities, would be an intelligent thing to do.You will need a lender to make the loan.

I currently have 20+ units that serve short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals.

Has anyone on the site performed a transaction that required it? 

All the big sites pull from MLS, realtor.com etcHave you had a free conversation with Redfin?

I think a strategy that would serve me well is one where I buy a 2 (or 3) bedroom house with 1.5+ bathrooms.