I think once you have 10 or more, it's probably smart to have your own people. 

I'm going to buy my first property within the next couple of months and I'm curious about how people manage their properties when they are not within a driveable distance of them.I understand they have property managers but where do you find them?

I really trusted my agent and knew several people who had invested in Reno so I took the leap after trying and failing for years to buy my own home in really high cost cities where I lived (NYC, DC, SF Bay area). 

@Shaylynn O'LearyI think I may have posted this in response to you in another thread a while back, but here goes again.If you pick a random "low cost" market like the ones you named, don't know anyone there, don't set up a network, buy random properties, and turn them over to people you've never met to manage, you will most likely lose money. 

I've had people put down $30,000 or even up to $50,000 as an option fee.

Just curious what people have ran across to build these days?

I would not get advice on this from people here also realize a LLC in California has some really hefty fees per year so something to consider 

Well, this my opinion, if you like unpredictability, constant change and people/contractors with no regards to you or your property then "YES" flips and STRs are the way to go...LOL....I love it!!! 

If times get financially difficult will people stop eating or will they stop going to the doctor (unless its an emergency)?

Many people miss out on things like this because they simply are not aware of these options.