I have not done this, but it does happen in my area where we have sheriff sales.The one attorney I spoke with who does this is a proxy for both investors and other attorneys (they would have to drive to the courthouse, and back, and in between sit around for the hour or so the sheriff sale takes - or outsource to the attorney with his office across the street from the courthouse).

Can they easily be outsourced (I.T., call centers etc...) or are they jobs that have to be done by people in the flesh (healthcare).Also, are the jobs geographically or resourced based (oil and gas in Texas for instance)?

250 per month for taxes insurance870 per month for mortgage=1120 per month1500-1120= $380However that doesn't account for money that should be set aside for vacancy, repairs and if you outsource the property management there will be an additional cost.Run those numbers and if they look good. 

And I outsource everything.With rehabbing things, I've found that painting, cleaning, and ripping up carpet are perfect ways to cut down on expenses (if you're not too handy, like me).

outsource to professionals.  

Will have tenant headaches, repairs, vacancyCan choose to outsource land lording for reduced returnsWholesale Is a full time job sourcing, negotiating and marketing propertiesHave to hustle and find deals everyday Can start with small capital for deposits and earnest moneyGood knowledge of repair costs will help you provide accurate numbers to your buyersNo long term appreciation as not holding any properties Rehab/FlipIt's a full time job being a project manager and working with contractorsNeed to be a good coordinator and manage people Need good knowledge of repairs and costingCan earn 100% or more on each flip using leverage and private fundingNo long term appreciation as not holding any properties

I plan to do all management but will outsource maintenance depending on severity of damage.

While I was working my W-2, she was out sourcing and selling properties 50-60 hours a week....I could never do that. 

They will say "They outsource that", well, a manager at a restaurant doesn't wait tables, but they know how it is done right?

Unfortunately with an apartment you can't shrink the workload short of selling the building.Bringing on people doesn't have to mean hiring employees with all the associated overhead that entails because you can outsource certain tasks.