The first thing I'd recommend is focus on a market where you either 1) currently or have previously lived, 2) have family/friends that live there, or 3) travel to/vacation there frequently.

As far as property management goes, I figured it might be best (in my particular situation) to start with a property manager since I will be travelling for work for most of next year and it would be better to have someone local to handle things for me?  

So, what will be your cost to travel to defend yourself in court?

From our experience best practice has always been to have exterior cameras as well as smart locks.

Can the travel mileage incurred during this time be included as start-up expenses?

Bad news travels fast. 

My broker shopped around and found 3 companies that allowed us to add Co-Living clauses (SafeCo, Auto Owners, and Travelers).

@Patti Robertson I was more thinking if the tenant isn’t removing the trash in a timely manner or has trash on the exterior.

Some strategies to lessen the negative cash flow are: house hack and rent out the other unit as a mid-term rental (to traveling professionals or for people temporarily displaced because of insurance reasons like fire) or short-term rental (business or vacation).

If all else fails, you have options to travel abroad and work in one of their office in any of the 80 countries where they do business!