If you can narrow it down to a couple of markets it makes it so much easier to understand those markets, what cash-flows, what doesn't, if the duplexes are in a decent area or a horrible one, what it will cost you to fly out and visit that market, etc. 

You fly in...look at the house...etc. 

Cozy uses a far more secure system... still I would be lying if I said it didn't factor in to my concerns.Rent collection: ZelleCredit/Background Checks: CozyListings: Cozy/Zillow/CraigslistScan a receipt on the fly: Cozy

In six months or a year (which will fly by when you are working OT) you will have a nice nest egg to start investing.But this unglamorous, not sexy strategy would not make a good podcast or sell a book.   

And that isn't counting what it's going to cost you to fly out there and check up on the property from time to time. 

I am a newly licensed real estate agent looking for broker recommendations in the NW Miami-Dade County (Miami Lakes, Hialeah...) or South Broward County areas in FL. I

That said if you have ties to Chicago area go for that and fly out for the inspection.

The idea of asking a tenant to provide the basics is not going to fly.

Anyone who says that geting your license is a dumb move is flying blind to the opportunities that open up to you as a licensed agent.Access to properties whenever you want to see them.  

But many investors do lose out big time doing what you're talking about.I always advise people looking at a similar strategy to fly out there and spend some time on the ground.