You need to work with RELIABLE contractors & Have a Real Estate Agent that is hunting for opportunities.

Getting multiple contractors involved will be your best bet to get a reliable estimate, though you need to come up with a scope of work.

Is that because there is no work in those towns and the tenant won't be reliable or vacancies will be high?

In my experience RE investing is a reliable way to get rich slow, provided that you’re willing to invest steady effort and attention into the proper management of your portfolio over an extended period of time.   

@Amanda SkipperTo find reliable property managers and agents for remote work, consider factors like experience with investors, local market knowledge, and remote buyer experience.

Why Reviews Are Crucial for Your Airbnb SuccessBuild Trust with Guests: Positive reviews show potential guests that your property is reliable and welcoming, making it more likely they’ll choose your space over others.Boost Visibility on Airbnb: Higher ratings mean your property is more likely to appear in search results, leading to more bookings and greater income potential.Learn and Improve: Reviews often provide actionable feedback.

To be safe, consider starting with standard percentages or slightly reduced figures until you have reliable data on the property’s performance.

It seems a bit far and no reliable public transportation.thanks again!  

Our goal is to purchase multiple properties in good neighborhoods with ARVs up to $250K.We’re eager to connect with experienced agents, reliable contractors, and any other local experts who can offer insights on building a successful portfolio here.

One approach is to emphasize your reliability and track record, showing that a lower EMD doesn’t impact your ability to close deals successfully.