and if the client would prefer, for example, a specific plumber, that's fine as long as they meet our criteria, which 9 times out of 10 they do.  

You should be going to real estate investor meetups to meet other, more experienced investors, instead of looking at markets farther away before you really know what you are doing.

Even if rents are trending up, if your tenant base can't make ends meet, the asset won't perform.

But definitely something I will read up on in case I come across an opportunity that might be useful with.yes, please DM me the full list of Chicago meet ups!

@Venka Pulla It’s frustrating when a property manager isn’t meeting expectations, but transitioning to a new property manager is typically straightforward if you follow a few steps:Review the Management Agreement: Carefully read your current Property Management Agreement (PMA) to understand the termination process, including any required notice period.

Have you looked into any REI networking or meet-ups in the area?

This would end speculation and bring you a lot of credibility.Please post a deal that meets the criteria you claim you have "tons of examples" of. 

I spent a decade in advertising, before founding and running a custom wood shop for another decade, so 'm pretty good at the self-promotion.I agree with you that the more gorilla approach would be most effective and that's actually what i've been doing – calling RE agents in my service area with active listings, introducing myself to property managers and leasing agents...To answer your question, I will have to handle the work myself for 6-12 months to build out the SOPs and field service management systems, but I have a lot of relationships for those looking to "do the work".I'll check out the meet up and would love to grab a cup of coffee, I'll shoot you an email.

Start with networking, go to all events you can and follow up with who you meet.

Start meeting with sellers in the areas you are wanting to work in whether they be mobile homes in parks, lots and/or out on land.