A well connected agent can also tap into their network.. for instance, probate attorneys might know of people seeking short-term solutions.

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

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). 

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

@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. 

Knowing the rent will likely show up each month—even if the tenant has challenges—removes a lot of the uncertainty that can come with rentals.The people listing this apartment as a “Section 8 property” are likely trying to target buyers who value that stability.

People weren't renting properties as quickly, and there was an increase in vacancy.

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

And what you've also seen is people that were renting 3 bedroom cabins are now deciding they can get by with the smaller one and two bedroom cabins.