Your time here will be well spent.You didn't mention a REI area of interest, so I added the below links for the three most popular niches for your selection of one or all.

EFFECTIVE GROSS INCOME: $89,330EXPENSES:Property Management: 7.5% = $6,700Insurance: $5,112Maintenance: 12% = $10,720 (I will likely modify this number after inspection one I have a better idea of the actual shape of the property)Taxes: $8,568Trash: $1,085Water/Sewer/Common Elect: $6,910TOTAL EXPENSES: $39,094NOI: $50,236Cap Rate: 8.37%Debt Service: $33,672 (5 yr arm - 25 year am, 5.0%)Net Cash Flow Before Taxes: $16,564Cash on Cash (Assuming 20% down): 13.8%ROE (NCF + Princip paydown): 22.1%DCR: 1.49Debt Yield: 10.5%Using 50% Rule: $83.28/unit/month

Like the others have mentioned, one problem with being an absentee landlord is showings and moving tenants in and out.Other aspects like marketing, tenant screening and rent collection can be done pretty effectively remotely.The properties I own near me I manage.  

So issue is essentially what you were asking access that equity other than selling it and "how to" measure the refi fees & cash in hand vs effect to cash flow & refi fees.I have seen a couple posts asking about using HELOC loans which I guess have less fees but just started researching those but I guess they are lower LTV so might not offer access to as much cash.I guess it all depends on goals and what you want to accomplish...

I would appreciate feedback from investors who has used this medium and the effectiveness of this marketing technique. 

#4 educates you to better select among options #1-3.

Is it more cost effective to just have a PM take care of this or do they generally charge a premium?

@Danielle J.Welcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.Since you did not mention a specific area of interest, I added links to three of the most popular niches for your to select one or all while you wait for local networking contacts.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)It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars 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 REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Your time here will be well spent.Since you didn't mention an area of interest, I added the below links for the three most popular niches for your to select 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)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. 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/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.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 REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

If theres even a possibility that a bad deal could have a significant negative effect on your family's situation then you have to pass on the deal.