The most successful out of state investors in our market have firm criteria, reasonable expectations, and are prepared to pull the trigger when something good pops up.

I'm past my allotted time for inspections, so won't be able to get a firm estimate.

@Idan Narotzki Careful screening, strong lease (and strong enforcement of it), diligent move-in/move out checklist (so they know you’re paying attention), large security deposit (I ask for double 1 month rent amount which in my area means $3-5k), avoid Class C-/D, find a good collections agency that will work on contingency basis, make your units as tenant-proof as possible with inexpensive yet durable materials, hold plenty in reserve funds, set proper expectations, communicate well but firmly and treat tenants fairly and professionally, and be willing to clean up a mess and fix things occasionally rather than pay a company thousands to do it for you.

Just try to use a flooring firm that you can trust. 

Out of college, I started my career as a CPA working in one of the Big 4 national accounting firms, but I ultimately disliked providing information/support to the decision makers. 

Mainly for 2 reasons: vehicle bonus depreciation (that way it is not split across the partners of my other firms) and to show banks a consolidated income stream from a single source for borrowing purposes.

The reputable firms wont do that, they get a lot of referral business from agents and investors, because they don't oversell.

Most people in CRE, REI firms, Development shops, Construction shops, Private Equity firms, banks etc have degrees in either RE or Business. 

@Berkli Jo Boudreau I run a real estate appraisal firm.

I am days away from launching a property management firm in Charleston, SC.