You will need to be on your toes at all timesYou will run into set backs (often)You will need to evict peopleYou will need to throw families onto the streetYou will make children homelessYou will have your house damaged You will need to hire a team of highly skilled people to be your eyes and ears on the groundYou will pay a premium for services provided on your real estate portfolioYou will be harshly judged by those outside of the industryYou will need to make decision based on the best interest of your business and not your feelingsWorks out great for some.

However as a newbie I am all ears!!

I'll go to Zillow and see if I can find the last Realtor that had it listed and see if maybe they have the keys and can get inside.The Realtors are my eyes and ears since I can't be there myself, so I choose very experienced agents to work with.

Spring Rings....Investors Dream!!

You took action, so this is like great music to my ears...

There are a few C and D areas in Mpls, StPaul, and some northern inner ring burbs I am avoiding because I have heard that the city rules make it tough on landlords, and there are many "professional" renters who could make your life hell.

I help them find a property by being their eyes and ears on the ground, as well as scrutinizing the property to ensure it's good, and knowing a ballpark for what it would take to rehab, so the total costs can be taken into consideration. 

If they push you off on some other property manager after the transaction, then they are just agents earing commission.Try  looking at:What to Ask When Working With a Turnkey ProviderandThe Best Types of Markets for Profitable Turnkey Properties

My mind and ears are open to all views and pieces of knowledge!

Keep your fingers in your ears and good luck with the move and your future investing.Good Luck,Jason