Just make sure you involve an excellent real estate attorney to help you with the deal.This is just a thought.

I've been successfully self-employed as a handyman/carpenter since I arrived and I'm excited about getting involved with real estate investing.  

I personally have never bought or been involved in REO properties before and from my research i found very different opinions regarding them but non from people who have actually bought them. 

Can anyone here recommend a reputable tax services company (or good individual) who is located in SoCal who has experience or is specialized with doing taxes involving out of state real estate investments?

That is why you'll want to involve an attorney.

Also to perhaps meet and get more involved with the Indy community and beyond. 

I  also wanted to tag @Rawn Wilson - he's another Pearland investor and is looking to get involved with meetups in the area. 

I have learned this through @Brandon Turner webinars, podcasts, etc.Now that I have seen other fees involved with hiring a property management company, it seems like that 10% will be much more.

Is your realtor involved?

Since I have a full time job I don’t have time to oversee everything involved in real estate investment so I will also likely hire a management company.