It is surprisingly easy to manage out of state and if you want more tips on how, check out Bigger Pockets book "30 Day Stay" on Mid Term Rentals. 

Find the best property you can afford that also can produce enough income so that your monthly out of pocket expense is equal to or less than what you'd pay in rent.

They provide significant discounts for Bigger Pockets members.

.- You will have to come out of pocket for the arears, fees etc, just to get into "contract" some times $20k or more and all you have as protection is the word of someone who's proven to be unreliable and a signed piece of paper... 

@Mordechai ChaimovitzGreat points made above along with what @Daniel C. said referencing @Tom Shallcross's post on another thread.The context and variables for each individual investor will vary but many people are comfortable with getting a 2-4 unit that will reduce their out of pocket expense compared to their previous rent with the intent to do rehab and raise rents over time.

I call them in-between because they are conferences, so not like your local meetups, but they are not truly "industry" conferences like NMHC, where you will meet primarily career, corporate multi-family people.Bigger Pockets Conference and Best Ever Conference are two that likely would cater to people more in your position.  

Bigger Pockets is definitely the right spot to get started. 

But you have to understand you may get monthly cash in your pocket, but you'll have more problems and little appreciation.

Welcome to Bigger Pockets ! 

It did need some upgrades, but I'm definitely out of pocket a lot on this one to turn it back into an STR.