Tahoe isn't ideal right now as the local community is vehemently anti-Airbnb and the permitting system is challenging to navigate.

Hi Allende, my firm handles property management here in Miami.

While I have managers handling the daily operations, I still oversee everything remotely.

Due to these challenges, a successful client acquisition has taken as long as 1.5yrs(!!) 

Your first challenge is - you shouldn't buy based upon zip code!

If you go that route, ensure to use a Qualified Intermediary to handle the sale/purchase otherwise there will be no 1031 exchange. 

When I return to the country after my Au Pair contract ends, I hope to live in the property as my primary residence and house-hack as well.I understand that investing remotely makes things more challenging, but I am also ready to be uncomfortable and challenge myself in this journey as I know it is 100% possible.

@Sol RomandRentals without windows can be challenging.

How do you handle scaling once you get your first property – is it as daunting as it seems, or does it get easier?

The courts will handle service via e-mail and delivery to the unit.