i've managed both OOS and in-person and both can be a pain but OOS is just harder for most new investors, period.

If the negative cash flow is manageable and the appreciation potential is strong, it could be a smart move.On the other hand, investing out of state allows you to enter more affordable markets with strong, steady returns, helping you to build a diverse portfolio over time.

If there’s a significant difference, it might justify the cost of adding more beds.For example, we manage a 4BD property where one bedroom is currently locked off, so it only sleeps 6 (1 king, 2 queen).

Use a buyer's agent that knows the market, contracts, negotiations, etc.If you really want to learn about investing, get a job in property management. 

@Phil Petite Forming an LLC in Tennessee is recommended if your rental properties are located there, as it simplifies legal compliance, avoids the need to register as a foreign LLC, and aligns the LLC with Tennessee's laws for property management and tenant disputes.

How would you suggest going about finding a deal and managing it out of state.

Just requested a property management account.

Having local family gave me a built-in support system, market familiarity, and the confidence to manage a property from a distance if needed.

@Andreas Mathews admirable, but make sure you do some research so you understand what a PM can make.Starting your own PMC business will require 75-150 doors to make a decent living, depending on gross rents and your fee structre.Working for a SFR PMC as a PM, will require a RE license and you usually get paid a percentage of the gross rents the portfolio of owners/properties you manage generates.

When the credit report addresses don't match her application, you deny her and move on.Any landlord running a credit check on her after 05/01/2024 will see her credit report has a $12,000 collection from a property manager, and that should be an automatic denial.