Like the others have mentioned, one problem with being an absentee landlord is showings and moving tenants in and out.Other aspects like marketing, tenant screening and rent collection can be done pretty effectively remotely.The properties I own near me I manage.  

So issue is essentially what you were asking access that equity other than selling it and "how to" measure the refi fees & cash in hand vs effect to cash flow & refi fees.I have seen a couple posts asking about using HELOC loans which I guess have less fees but just started researching those but I guess they are lower LTV so might not offer access to as much cash.I guess it all depends on goals and what you want to accomplish...

I would appreciate feedback from investors who has used this medium and the effectiveness of this marketing technique. 

That is a 5 years more or less engagement.2/ Buying into a sponser project where a commercial property is bought/fixed/rented etc'. this is a syndication, and again, it is a pool of investors, but unlike #1 it is one big property.3/ use a turn key investment property4/ buy locally and do it myself.I know #4 pros/cons, but I don't feel I know enough how to evaluate the pros/cons between 1 and 2.

Is it more cost effective to just have a PM take care of this or do they generally charge a premium?

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

If theres even a possibility that a bad deal could have a significant negative effect on your family's situation then you have to pass on the deal.

The Air Force recently announced plans to increase force size for the first time in 6 years, in addition to the recent increase in housing allowance for military members, both of which I expect will also have some positive effects on the market here.

Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categoriesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Stay active and engage with others and you will find tons of info.Good luck to you.