@Matt Wan Many lenders require wet signatures on at least the Promissory Note but if yours does not, as a US citizen you could do the entire signing anywhere on the planet with a good internet connection + mic + camera via Remote Online Notarization (RON) for less than $200.If wet signatures are required, the answer then depends upon what foreign country you are in.

Networking with local real estate groups or online forums could help you find recommendations for PM companies that have a proven track record in Birmingham 

I volunteer and host an online group for our local chapter of the Real Estate Investors Association (REIA).

While you are figuring it out and/or deploying it over time, US Treasuries and certain CDs are paying 5%...and 4% for certain online savings accounts.

You don't have to go to the store. 

I've heard some rumors of Airdna skewing data a bit (I've heard this first hand and read online.)

I don’t think it matters one way or the other just make sure they have some sort of online portal.

I didn’t know anyone in Alabama, so I called a few agents I found online and ended up picking one from BiggerPockets.

I've been running the numbers on different properties using a variety of online calculators for properties that I initially thought looked like there may be potential.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.