The expert that work in this are usually able to roam freely in specific county and understand the intricacies around it.

Investing 200k and looking for cash usually means investing in riskier areas (for most of the US).

It's not even a business.The best business that would not lose investor money is usually the business that does not promise you any TGTBT return of investment.

Everybody's "got a source"...which I've learned is usually somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody who has a friend in some institution.I also haven't seen been able to find much literature about it either.....

We decided that instead of our usual e-lease, I will print out a paper copy of the lease and meet at the property for signature.

They usually charge the first months rent and will qualify and show properties to prospected tenants.I recommend getting a PM if your investing OOS just to keep your property in order. 

Usually we get loan with little to no pre-pay penalty and maybe they hit 4.5% cash on cash return going in and then when hopefully rates drop in a year or two they can refi and push cash on cash to 6 to 8% while being passive.   

You can also LTR, MTR or STR your home in San Diego so that it cash flows, and with the extra $$$, you can use it to pay your monthly mortgage in Seattle. 

Usually without any hesitation.However, be ready for the valuation to jump back up the following year as you will have to prove next year that the house is not worth what they will adjust the property value.  

You are missing out on an opportunity to train your inherited tenants to pay on time (and potentially extra revenue) by not using an online rental payment option where you can automate your late fee collections.