They collect the rent, deduct their fee and any other expenses they are allowed/required to pay on your behalf, then they distribute the remaining funds to you.It's critical that you review the property management agreement and understand what you agreed to.

@Dan Dares TMYou can use your familyMember but they will need to be a part of the deal and the bank will most likely want them to personally guarantee the loan.

If they're like the other relocation companies, you can ask to background check the tenants.

They were clueless about what we're looking for in a contracting vendor.Don't make the same mistake:)

Definitely a learning experience and trying to move on.

Amassing a lot of debt and being only able to make lateral moves if I sell is certainly a huge concern of mine. 

You came to the right place to learn more about real estate investing!

Buying more property 10 to 15 years ago.

We went to the current owner and said to let us know if he ever wanted to sell it.

But if you find those episodes reach out to the people.