Just wait until you or someone you love becomes disabled and you'll find yourself viewing those funky features with new eyes.

If the numbers work, I think it makes sense to do it while you are still there, learn, build systems, have a handyman, and then have your parents be your eyes and ears, not a PM.

Bringing your family along also puts a serious damper on that the primary purpose of the trip was actually for business - not impossible, but in my eyes it definitely taints it in a way that you really want to ensure everything is buttoned down on the business purpose and the actual business activity that occurred.

I am happy to review actual performance for any listing that catches your eye.

One day, my wife came home from a tough meeting with her manager, tears in her eyes, and said she couldn't take it anymore - she hated her job and didn't want to work anymore.

If ever you need a second set of eyes on an investment let me know, it would be my honor to help a US Marine. 

If I had to choose, I would lean towards option 1, I like the idea of having a dedicated person that at least knows my name and is familiar with my properties and can help "keep an eye on them".

@Shyam Subramanyan if you are not a “real estate professional” in the eyes of the IRS, you cannot use added depreciation to offset your W-2 income.

Have your eyes wide open - your first few buy close to home so understand the process.

Many buyers hang out there.3) Consider cold calling or emailing agents who work with cash buyers or reach out to title companies→ they often have contacts.4) Promote your deals on social media platforms to get more eyes on them.Keep up the momentum and shoot me a message if you need any help refining your strategy!