If your haven't done so already, visit a website called Airdna.com - download the free guide and read it, but more importantly use their site to research your area for rental rates and booked nights - critical information to your financial success.  

Yeah, basically breaks even but on an up note the mortgage is getting paid off by guests and we have a cool place to visit a couple of times per year.

At the same time, I went to visit a few property management companies and found out that the properties I had contracts on were actually C class neighborhoods and they wouldn't be willing to manage them.  

Remember, even if you invest from afar you're going to be tied to that place forever, even if its just a visit a year, so I'd recommend loving or at least not hating the place you invest. 

I do have an unconventional question on their like me doing a home visit as apart of my process they may be a turn off!

How about Google Maps "street view" as a way to "visit" a neighborhood?

Maybe we’re coming to hit up different parts of the city, but mostly we want to visit a new town, be close to our kids, and convenience to shopping and dining.

kids running around like banshees when you visit?  As

Visit a paint store like Ben Moore or Sherwin williams and ask if they have any oops paint or discontinued or discounted paint.

I had too much going on so turned them down.Here are two secrets that I really shouldn't reveal but will: The CA court-appointed probate referees who determine value for estate purposes rarely, if ever, actually visit a property on-site.