Property manager should change out locks at the property after they physically turn over the keys.

That being said there are physical limits to what one person can possibly manage.

I'm looking at markets outside of Florida as well but Florida keeps popping up in articles as a good place to invest.

They might be able to give you a rough idea on more specific stuff over the phone like flooring or windows, etc. if you give them the exact sizes but for the most part they have to physically go and see the place.

I read a news article that the Vegas utility providers encourage customers to sign up for "smart" thermostats that allow the utility provider to adjust your home's temperature.

Find articles of people that successfully invest in LA, when meetups open back up go to as many of those as possible to meet people that invest here AND invest out of state so you can get the horror and success stories from both. if you are in LA, check out FIBI and LAREI.

But I recommend you read this article I wrote for Bigger Pockets titled How to Invest in Real Estate Before Turning 21.

Meanwhile there is the physical education.

Since catching the RE bug last November, I have read 8 books (more than I've read in the past 4 years), attended local RE meet-ups & events, identified my markets (Atlanta & Memphis), started building my team in both markets, daily read both the articles and forums on biggerpocket and other sites, analysis deals daily, and have put in a few offers in both markets.

Below are a sampling of articles on the positive economic growth and why I'm bullish:The Chicago Neighborhood Initiative is heavily vested in the area and has attracted more than $350 Million in investments and created an additional 1,500 permanent jobs, leading to a job increase of 43% for the area (Pullman Revitalization).