Once you've determined a city, I'd recommend calling property managers and getting their POV since they are the boots on the ground and it is free.

I have some boots on the ground there that know the area well, neighborhood to neighborhood.

., being able to sign documents virtually), as well as have a great understanding of the market because they will serve as your boots on the ground (i.e., your eyes and ears for the property and market trends). 

You can do it in one of two ways:1) find the PRO's that will care after your property as their own: property managers, inspectors, attorneys, etc...2) partner up with someone locally who will be "boots on the ground".

The only successful business I have done with out of state investors are when they have mastered their own markets, systems, and have done enough work to set up legitimate boots on the ground in whatever city they want to branch out into.

@Kevin HoffJust a heads up - you ought to find some boots on the ground.

You need boots on the ground, and you need to have a team.

And this is why I don't invest in areas where I don't have boots on the ground.

I'm looking for a mentor and partner in the area and I can provide boots on the ground along with property managment and finding contractors in the area.

Best suggestion to combat that fear is to find someone in your community who is doing what you want to do and share a deal together.