I have family in Kansas City, MO area so I thought that would be a good place to start since I could visit properties while visiting family.

If you think ahead, you can minimize recapture with the right tax planning.So what is recapture?

@Fareen E.Great question, and it’s excellent that you’re thinking ahead about this scenario.

Thanks ahead of time! 

Particularly for your first few properties, I'd highly recommend that you manage the property yourself (if possible), but that's usually only possible (or most effective) if you live near the property or visit it frequently.

I have visited many where street view looks awesome and of course you get excited. 

I lived in a college town and student rentals did very well as did STRs for parents coming in to visit their children.  

Looking for in country contacts banks, agents, contractors, recommended areas, etc to prep for a productive visit.  

If you are following the rules then everything should be OK.This is no different than a health inspector visiting a restaurant.

I have found that going that extra mile, like the couch covers etc and making sure the person with the disability has the easiest time visiting our place.As someone with a disability (I have a degenerative neurological disorder) and use a cane, I like to make sure folks with similar issues have a good time.