If they are all in one area within reasonable driving distance then I’d find one PM you like and have them manage it all.

Assuming that they aren't simply lucky in market timing, excessive in leverage, or excessively risky, why do you think that some companies and leaders ARE able to duplicate the ROI driving expertise and/or improve personal-business productivity in a way that allows scalability?

Agents who generally take on small portfolios to manage are only doing so because they're not great agents to begin with.First thing first, I would consider either driving by the properties or contacting the tenants and asking them if they know what's going on with the agent.

Keep in mind, while the projected performance is very important it should not be the single driving factor in your decision.

Your investment is secured by the underlying property. preREO is a new, very creative and now proven format for local real estate investors to obtain control of a property before it goes to REO where everyone will have access to bid and drive up the price.

Choosing a location near LA, accessible by a short flight or drive, will make it easier to check on your projects.

And then the last hurdle is that driving miles between your home and your rental properties by default is considered to be like your "commute" to work, and your commute doesn't count as business miles. 

A recent divorce could impact someone's credit score, but it shouldn't drive it from 700 to 545.

I'm betting he'd drive to that area.

My favorite C/C+neighborhoods to invest in are Linden, Whitehall, Franklinton, Driving Park, and Eastmoor, to name a few.