Just read an article about this today - turnkey investing is a popular way to get exposure to other markets - read this to determine if it is for you and make sure you choose your turnkey company carefully!

Best of luck in whatever avenue you choose to pursue @Brad Smith.

Regardless of which direction you choose, make sure the follow up message is clear.

If you choose to go that route make sure there eviction rate is low because they are screening the tenants.

I'm sure once this PITA is gone the next tenant will be happy to choose a different soap. 

You will have to vet the market, and the neighborhood, to see if it fits your strategy should you choose to go turnkey.

Second-hire a reputable property management company that will protect you and your property.  

I would like to provide insight on how to effectively birddog when getting started and facing similiar challenges.Here's an example of some of the topics:What is birddoggingWhy choose birddoggingHow can birddogging help me get started as an investorWhat do you need to start birddogging (Contracts, Closings, Negotiations)What are the steps you need to take in order to get started and be successfulMarketing TechniquesNetworking Techniques (How to find a Mentor)Goal SettingPlease let me know if there is a topic a Newbie have to know that I may have overlooked.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you didn't mention an area of interest, I added links below to three of the most popular niches for you to choose one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

A variation on the theme which I considered but chose not to use would be, instead of buying the appliances, window coverings, bathroom finishings and landscaping, I could have given the tenants an “upgrade” budget, where I still approve and pay for stuff, but they pick it out and choose the installers and landscapers and painters.