They will know market data and trends better, have reliable comps to base their recommendations on, and could even be a great deal flow with current portfolio properties selling.The completely remote, centralized PM function is one of the reasons why you see the homes owned by PE firms sit on the market so long.

My local market is cost prohibitive to invest in and the thought of assembling a "team" of unknowns in another market was scary. 

I would select one marketing method and become an expert at it.

Many out of state investors look to the Midwest/midsouth to capitalize on the opportunity in these markets. 

Hey @Christian Artuso 👋🏽I’m RE agent + investor in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana markets.

Could anyone share advice or insights on the market here?

End his lease, and find a tenant willing and able to pay market rate.

I'm not sure what market you are in but I'm knowledgeable on Columbus Ohio if you ever want to talk about build to rent. it's not purchasing new builds at full market price, it's building it 25% below market yourself 

Identify a market and type of REI I want to invest in. 

To keep her expenses down.My plan is to rent the duplex out agian with new tenants and cash flow for about a year or two until I see the market become a seller market.