@Brady Herbaugh I am in the Fargo market and invest here locally.

Even small, common mistakes like renting below market, picking the wrong tenants, unwilling/unable to enforce lease terms, slow turnovers, or unscrupulous contractors can cost more than a good PM will charge, and that's before you account for your time and the stress.If you have the personality, I recommend self-management for anyone who lives within 1-2 hours of their investments.

I'm looking at a condo in Mesa and would love to talk to someone who is currently renting in that market.

Maybe in a Market where housing is less expensive.

Approached multiple real estate agents in my market with the attempt of understanding pocket deals and to make offers on distressed on-market properties they have listed on the MLS.

Market OverviewThe Los Angeles apartment market is comprised of 864,197 units in thirty-seven geographic concentrations ranging in size from the 62,684 unit Hollywood/Silver Lake submarket to the Tujunga/La Crescenta/Montrose submarket, which amounts to 5,448 units.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

This would mainly depend on the market as you said.

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

Someone with a large portfolio might have a system that works for them and which they have maximized but which might not translate well to your market, your personality or your approach to investing.