Keeping service quality as a top priority definitely sets you apart as a reliable PML.

Build a reliable team on the ground, plan occasional visits, and trust your general contractor to handle the day-to-day.

There were also many scammers and had no idea where to go aside from a few reliable sources.

Specifically, is the rental market stable, and is reliable assistance (like agents, property managers, contractors, etc.) available?

What am I going to do if a guest uses too much energy... nothingThe goal is to run MTR for a few years and then convert to LTR.

Again, your time and energy is better spent increasing accountability and pushing RAD to improve their staffing with individuals qualified to maximize their portfolio at this time.....and in the future spend some time and money to perform adequate diligence before you invest passively. 

If you can get hold of a reliable and honest builder, you will be fine (that does not mean you will not go over budget).Low CapEx, Little Hassle, Quality Tenant, You can manage new construction out of state for the first 5-years, Tenant May Stay longer (because is a brand new house) are few benefits of new construction.You may not be able to get close to the 1% rule though.Goodluck

My wife and I create Real Estate Meet-ups wherever we live (lived in many places due to being in the Navy for 21 years) and I believe that these groups help change that potential energy of potential investors into kinetic energy and make kinetic investors.

@Elliot B.I doubt a energy meter based on airflow, heat - etc - of any variety - would hold up if challenged in a court of law - 

What is the best overall water metering company you have found when it comes to ease of installation, reliability, and the cost of the equipment and monitoring?