The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

That being said, I've definitely signed leases for properties that were on the other side of the country and I didn't get a chance to physically see them before signing the lease.

Houston is an excellent market for multifamily investments.

I can refer a carpenter that does excellent work and is affordable. 

BP serves as an excellent platform for networking and ongoing education.

It doesn't add layers of physical damage coverage or cover things that wouldn't otherwise be covered.

Comp 1-2bd with 1-2bds and not 3-5bdsStep 2: columns in Excel - total sq ft, abv grade sf, below grade sf, % abv grade, % below grade, sold priceStep 3: average in Excel - avg ppsf above grade, avg ppsf below grade, avg ppsf totalStep 4: below grade finished 50-60% of above grade ppsf, below grade unfinished 25-30% of above grade ppsfThis will get you close.

Being in NY maybe something to do with physical document transportation?

Many other investors have asked themselves (and others this question) but what I believe it ultimately comes down to is what are your goals (how much money you'd like to make), are you physically able to manage it yourself and do you have the right organization and systems in place to do it on your own. 

Quote from @Stephen Schmitt: Hello Dwight, I have an excellent PM I can recommend.