On these lower priced type properties why don't investors simply invest with a group local to them in larger properties that are more expensive where they live or simply invest maybe the next state or so over so you can easily travel there?

So in 7 years they could easily still owe more than it’s worth.

(This is why most IRA accounts use the initial FBO "for the benefit of") That is why you can't easily get to the money and have to pay taxes upon withdrawing it.So, if you invested in real estate, and created some cash flow, the money MUST go back to the custodian and the IRA.  

As for the blinds popping out, it's a common occurrence that can be easily fixed in no time.

How important is it for me to be able to easily visit my target market? 

It just makes life easier - they shop a variety of insurers and are more easily able to compare apples to apples because they know how the various companies present coverages.

Unfortunately, I do not have the personal funds available to support those expenses that easily.

This issue is usually easily resolved when timed correctly.

You can easily self manage 1 property with Zillow and Excel.

You could film your logo at intervals to add some protection from it being easily copied.