ACT and the various localized distressed property laws.

When you go from a single family to a Duplex, it becomes "comercial" property and according to (Michigan) the local building dept, I had to hire contractors. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

Please let me know if you need more info to create a clearer picture.Thank you.That is actually a good question to get advice from a local estate attorney on.

Real estate is so localized that most federal based policy changes don't have massive influence.I can see him (semi-)privatizing Freddie/Fannie.

The problem with apps running comps is that they can't see inside the homes (or smell them lol), or evaluate the exact location, or understand the local market on an intimate level to know what's next door or around the corner and predict the market value and ARV accurately like only an experienced local Realtor, appraiser or expert investor can.

House hacking locally is typically going to be the least risky way to get started, even if it is more expensive of a property.

@Diana Mulvihill A lot will depend on your local market and competition.

What’s required for success in this is deep knowledge of real estate in general and the area in particular; experience in real estate and the local laws, etc.; and capital to pay for options, marketing, legal counsel, accounting, tax advise, etc.  

I would recommend looking for local FB investor groups, most areas have them!