You should have someone local who can drive by to check on the property, respond to emergencies, conduct regular inspections, etc.

For example, the local government rental inspection walks through and finds no issues.  

We're building this inside the city limits so we are slowed down just a bit by the city inspections.

The home buying process typically follows these key steps:Assess Your Finances: Review your credit score, savings, and determine how much you can afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.Get Pre-Approved for a Loan: Work with a lender to get pre-approved, which gives you a clear budget and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.Find a Real Estate Agent: Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the process.Search for Homes: Browse listings and visit properties that fit your criteria (location, size, price, etc.).Make an Offer: When you find a home you like, submit an offer through your agent, including contingencies (financing, inspections, etc.).Home Inspection & Appraisal: Once the offer is accepted, hire an inspector to ensure the home’s condition and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the property’s value.Secure Financing: Finalize your mortgage by submitting required documents and ensuring the lender clears you for closing.Closing: Sign the final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home!

Research the local economy, crime rate, property inspection, market rents, vacancy rates, and consider financing options, tenant screening, and zoning laws.Good luck!

Some things came up in the inspection that increased my potential rehab costs to 20k on the high side, likely 18k.   

If the tenant does move , do a detailed inspection in case the tenant messes things up

Before coming to BrightSide, I was the manager of a successful home inspection company based in Knoxville, Tennessee.Since March 2023, I have been helping property managers in the short term vacation rental market learn to use our product and provide support.

I took what I thought was the best offer at 91k that had NO inspections close in 3 weeks and had a POF which was a copy of a bank statement in the name of the buyer..

By nature of his work, he knew who did good jobs and bad jobs - he was there inspecting homes and saw who did what.I have retooled this list over time.