Can you provide guidance on how to get started and some effective strategies?

If you can come in and operate effectively I think you'll find success rather quickly due to that.BTW - for a property management platform I would highly recommend Buildium.

Hi Everyone, I own and self manage 2 of my own properties here in Western NC.

-Personally, I self-manage all of my rentals, all on mtm leases.

You are effectively operating a hotel, which is a business enterprise with very different risks and hazards to insure.  

Implement scalable systems and processes to effectively manage and grow your real estate holdings.

This makes it much easier for me to qualify for loans because I don't have to disclose the home debt that would effect my income to debt ratio.

By keeping your investments local you may be able to self-manage your properties more easily because you're close-by and already knowledgeable about what's required of you as a landlord. 

I'm thankful that I made a decision to self manage. even at a  distance I think it helps you avoid a lot of headaches

I'm now figuring out how to maximize the return on current properties and add value, efficient ways to self manage, etc.