It is surprisingly easy to manage out of state and if you want more tips on how, check out Bigger Pockets book "30 Day Stay" on Mid Term Rentals. 

@Cole DobbsIn addition, I may be able to help you and connect you with some key real estate investor players in the Houston, Texas market since I am an Investor myself that have done most of these real estate investing strategies and also an investor-broker who has helped over 400 investors like you. 

This is the BEST $100 you will ever spend, and if you listen to Amanda Han's tax book, you'll know it's also likely a business expense for you to write off :) https://biggerpockets.supercast.com/My perfect way to learn from the BP books is to listen to the audio book through the subscription above, then books that really stand out to me I go old school and get the physical copy so that I can re-read it, take notes in the margins, and put post it notes so key points are easier for me to re-reference in the future.

Here’s how they help you break through hurdles and tips for finding the right broker for your needs.1.

Hre are the key things to knowWhat you are bidding on - often oddball properties that are hard to identify and have little value are auctioned offThe true as is value of the property, The tax assessment can be way higher or way lower than the true as is valueThe local laws and how they affet your total costs and returns

The most important key you want to consider is your boots on the ground.

Any tips or advice for getting started?

The key is to offer something different to the other homes, and be an attentive host, to get good reviews to boost OTA (Airbnb/vrbo) rankings. 

If everyone took the cash for keys approach, then the odds of a LL getting such a tenant increases.I have never had to do a cash for keys.  

• Any tips for maximizing house hacking opportunities in this area?