If you want to be hands-on, I'd go with finding your own property manager and going that route.I wrote an article awhile back debating those two methods, maybe it will help-http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/22/out-of-state-real-estate-investing/As far as how to pick markets, I look at 1) whether the numbers work or not (for positive cash flow) and 2) if there is growth happening.

I tried to figure this step by step on the napkin from the article Rental property numbers so easy you can calculate them on a napkin, and came out in the red.

Article below.http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_24438138/trelora-founder-promises-real-estate-industry-shake-up

WIth previous threads and articles I have read, why do investors add closing costs as part of their cash outlay?

Check this article I wish I would have read this before diving head first in any courses but all course are good if you can benefit from them https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/4317/blog_posts/30055-getting-started-in-real-estate-with-100

Thank you Elisha, check my BP article on life coaching if you like goals!

Stuff I initially learned here from guys like JScott, Will Barnard, local mentors, articles, books, and many more here.At the end of the presentation, I told them what I was looking to raise.They looked at each other, smiled, and said "I don't have a problem with that".This morning, I got a phone call from the man I met in the gym 4-5 years ago, of all places, telling me that they're on board and that I can contact my attorney to set up my LLC and draft the paperwork.Needless to say this has been a life changing event.I'm writing this to show everyone, particularly (us) noobies that occurrences like these are possible.

http://www.yankeemagazine.com/article/home-3/flooring

Net listings are discouraged by the National Code of Ethics (Article 1).  

I Google the topic and there are so many different articles and opinions it gets confusing.