If you do end up choosing to work with an out-of-state PM, I would suggest finding one who's been in that area a long time, has deep knowledge of the local market, gives back to the community, has roots there, etc.

If you have clay versus PVC sewer pipes then you know you will be roto rooting frequently, for example.  

It took us right back to our Appalachian roots.

I would suggest clearing everything out and getting to the root of the problem; at the very least you can then have the contractor walk through to get a rough estimate.

Roots in community.  

Debt is rarely a root cause problem.

For example, my first purchase in my new area had cracks in the pipe with tree roots going into it.

That MAY be a sign of root infiltration into the pipes, which is not uncommon.  

@Tim Fitzgerald  and of course when you go to a live event the speaker usually leads with a nice picture of he family and kiddos  because that Is the entire reason he or she is doing this.. so they can spend more time with the kids.. not to mention the kids once they get about 8 don't want to spend much time with us LOL.. like is said rooted deeply in MLM marketing techinques

I have added a clause that states all clogs are responsibility of tenants UNLESS a plumber can attest to the fact that the clog was caused by roots, bad pipe or something not directly caused by tenants...I actually have multiple snakes and use to snake myself but just don't have the time anymore..thx,Chris