You should find an expert to work with (after careful screening!). 

So be sure to understand the process, the market, the risks, and don't let yourself simply be sold on returns.You can definitely be successful investing out of state, you just need to be more careful.

Be careful especially if you're new to that. 

Thanks @John Mckee  - we did end up just giving them a proposal that built in their agent's fee (and then some).This was a good lesson for us - at first we took it personally but then realized that the tenant just doesn't want to deal with (or has no expertise in) deal(ing) with it and they really don't care what they end up paying.

Be aware that some have HOAs, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because they will take care of a lot of the maintenance around the place.

Wanted to just gather some data and see where the current thoughts on the topic are landing...I'm a California resident.

No one will every care about your business or your deals as much as you do.

Or rent out our primary residence and move into the second home?

You may support your retirement dreams and financial objectives by building a profitable and long-lasting real estate portfolio with careful preparation and commitment.Good luck!

Last year it was 278k minimum Are you sure that isn't just for a residential loan for a primary residence?