So do your due diligence and make sure that the strategy you know works in California will work in other states as well.If you don't know the area, here's what you'll need:A local real estate agentA loan officer licensed to originate loans in that stateA local property manager (they should have repairmen, contractors, etc. contacts for you)It works best when you have local "boots on the ground" so to speak, meaning friends or family members who can keep an eye on the property for you... which your property manager can do for you, but for a fee.I would recommend reading BiggerPocket's book on long distance real estate investing for a ton of other tips as well: https://www.biggerpockets.com/store/long-distance-real-estate-investing-ultimateIf you have any questions about the Phoenix Metro Area market when you're considering which area to invest in, feel free to reach out and I'll try to get your questions answered or point you in the right direction!

@Anthony DooleyThat's where I am on it, I'll walk away but keep in touch with them to see if they change their minds.

I’ll take pictures of course prior to my departure but what else can I do to protect myself?

I'll take this advice to heart, re-crunch my numbers over the weekend, and see where it leaves me. 

I'll see you in another thread.

If I see them or talk to them about something else, I'll mention it as well.

I'll be happy to chat further with you guys. 

I'll second what @Michael Le said.

I’ll text you.

I am tempted to say I'll only consider buildings that have updated stacks, but that will eliminate a lot of good possibilities.