There are many ways to skin this cat...just have to know the effects of each and make an informed decision.Thanks for the help!

This avoids the entire fishing around for a trustworthy agent that probably doesn't care in the first place (after all, if you're a thousand miles away, there's nothing to stop them from saying the property is in a great area).The localized partner can also ward off issues with a property management company - they can drive by the property easily to make sure everything is in working order and provide easy access to the PM, whereas, you'll be a thousand miles away and unable to control things - you'd be reliant on other folks that don't have skin in the game.

I am wondering if I should partner with a contractor so they have some skin in the game.

You typically will need some money as a down payment or skin in the game (typically somewhere between 10-20% of purchase price but this may vary.

@Clint Shelley I certainly don't want to get into a climate change debate when I have neither the credentials or information to even scratch the surface...which is how most people should view it, and trust unbiased experts...But seeing how some NJ beachtowns have dumped millions of dollars, every single year, to pump sand and create artificial beaches, and then do it year after year, suggests there's a major crisis on barrier islands, at the very least.

There can be some obvious issues just on the surface that may help you make a decision.

I also don't particularly like the FHA 3.5% down loans, and at least the buyer has SOME skin in the game.

I’m an industrial contractor (I’m pretty handy doing things), I’ve been a licensed realtor in Oregon (know my numbers pretty well), and I just pulled out a heloc on my primary residence so I’ve got some skin in the game ( well it’s in the process but the lady said should be fine just waiting to hear back from underwriter).

I’ve seen some nasty houses for sale with ceilings collapsed and paint separated on every surface and walls crack over cheap people with pipe dreams of restoring grandmas old mill house leaving it cold in the winter .

I am gaining confidence the more I listen to the podcasts while working out at the gym at 5:00 in the morning and reading books after grading and planning, but as many speakers have said - The real education happens when you have "skin in the game."