I know of one person in Oregon doing it, but he doesn’t want to share how it’s done.

One person booked at the normal rate instead of what we quoted and the other somehow had a pet fee attached which we still don’t understand since we do not have that as an option.  

NY is a competitive high-priced market so it makes sense that you're open to areas with lower barriers of entry.

Personally I have 25 units and scaling up and generally speaking it takes me about 5 hours per month to do everything.

Standard practice and the veriage should prohibit the person from doing any deals directly with the parties you are in negotiation with. 

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

I always recommend that anyone getting started attend in person meet ups.

Thanks @Johnny MartinMy suggestion is to partner with a like minded person... and preferably someone like a family member who really knows you... a dad... an uncle, etc that understands the value of passive investing.  

I personally wouldn't entertain the gift option as I think its an unnecessary step and it can take significantly longer. 

Personally I don't like to do less than 20%.