If you are looking to do a large value add, there are a lot of properties to choose from.

House was my primary but I moved out of area for a job offer. Turned it into a rental property & bought a new primary in new city. Hired a PM, who hired & arranged for a move- out cleaner. I get the bill a mon...

Then you will have the ability to choose from 3-5 agents.

House hacking is an excellent strategy for beginners, and it sounds like you've done your research and are ready to take the next step.When evaluating your first investment property, here are some key factors to consider:• Location: Choose neighborhoods with high rental demand, low vacancy rates, and potential appreciation.• Property Condition: Assess property condition and potential renovation needs.• Rental Income: Determine potential rental income for each unit.• Expenses: Estimate operating expenses including property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, vacancies, and property management fees.• Financing: Explore options like FHA loans, conventional loans, or portfolio loans.• Cash Flow Analysis: Use a tool or spreadsheet to calculate projected cash flow.Based on your estimate of $300 per month in cash flow, make sure to verify that this aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

The only difference in most investments is how well the company/ies you choose to work with are at delivering on your expectations. 

I will choose the best comparables to use and then do a market analysis to determine any time adjustments required.

If you're hiring a property management company, make sure to do your due diligence and choose a reputable company with experience in the area.Financials: It's important to crunch the numbers and make sure the rental income will be enough to cover expenses and generate a profit.

My advice is to not only look at the statics, but also think about what will separate your property from the rest in the area you choose.

Anyone you choose, local or not, should have a preferred system in mind that they like to follow - hiring a bookkeeper to follow your system can be more challenging than adapting to a system that works for them (remember, they're the pro at this, not you).

To choose, think about what your goals are.