And what is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper"?

There's a key word and a phrase that makes it 100% a scam.

Sellers who are in financial distress or dealing with a property in poor condition might be more open to this type of arrangement if it helps them get back on their feet.The key to making this work is transparency and clear communication.

Here are some key elements to include:Lease Agreements: Ensure your contracts reflect the latest laws, such as notice periods for entry or rules around security deposits.Fair Housing Compliance: Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local fair housing laws to avoid discriminatory practices.Property Standards: Regularly inspect your properties to ensure they meet safety and habitability standards.Tax Documentation: Keep accurate records to comply with tax reporting requirements.4.

Another key change is making sure your contractor actually sticks to completion deadlines...why, because of how extremely tedious permit inspectors are getting in some cities, which can slow progress in and of itself.

So, in actuality the divide between “good” PMs and “bad” ones is probably no different than any other service provider, be it real estate broker, mortgage originator, etc.The key word I has in my sentence was MAY; as in MAY be hazardous to your financial health.  

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Off-market deals are key if you go this route, so networking is huge.Out-of-state investing is another option people love, especially in markets like PA (Philly, Scranton) or even down south where prices are lower, and the landlord-tenant laws are more forgiving.

Paint rags and paint plastic $386.66 Initial 70% deposit Cabinets $13,029.02 Backer board, Fiber rock, Shower drains, Zinc backer board screws $385.71 Junk Removal $600.00 red gard ($123.10) Initial 50% deposit Windows $10,493.20 2x4 studs $52.33 Junk Removal $400.00 Flooring sample $6.01 Flooring sample $68.48 Flooring sample $62.62 Flooring sample $132.09 Paint samples for accent wall $38.34 10% Draw for Master bathroom demo $580.00 Wall and shower Tile+Grout-Guest bath $528.62 LVP Flooring $7,165.27 Demo Work $1,275.00 LVP Flooring $7,198.07 Floor tile-Guest bath $889.05 50% down for moisture barrier and animal extraction $2,541.30 Returning flooring samples ($263.19) Paint-2 5gallon buckets SW $382.38 Unsure on what these are $19.54 Unsure on what these are $48.00 Master shower floor tile $331.42 Paint $3,100.00 Flooring underlayment $888.42 Primer $178.71 Paint-5 1gallon buckets SW $180.26 Paint $3,100.00 Appliances $6,820.59 Master bath tub $986.76 Paint-1 5gallon buckets SW $194.81 Primer $268.54 Framing repair for rotted wood $1,000.00 Junk Removal $500.00 Floor tile-Guest bath $771.07 Floor and Shower wall tile-Master $4,559.43 Stair noses $334.20 Master shower floor tile $612.76 Farmhouse sink $385.91 Master ceiling paint $254.29 Drywall repair in kitchen ceiling $500.00 Childrens wall tile and floor tile $3,477.40 Master shower floor tile-Return ($331.43) Drop in sinks for children's bathroom $103.75 Drop in sinks for upstairs bathroom $51.87 Master sinks $147.64 Master floor tile $270.05 Electricity $169.70 16x cement backer board return ($139.60) Tub and shower faucets $414.96 4 x Toilet seats $788.22 Tile install materials for all bathrooms $863.00 Air filters $10.90 Gas pipe and AC tune up+Duct repair $1,216.00 Tile install materials for all bathrooms $984.78 Roll of insulation X2 $38.48 Primer refund $125.33 Shower faucets X2 $480.71 Water $11.41 Master shower floor tile-Return the original white one ($261.55) Demo and materials he bought $1,005.14 Pickup charge for picking up flooring $223.96 Flooring 1st payment $4,000.00 Flooring return-guest bathroom tile ($889.05) Red guard refund $71.34 Backer board, wall tile and floor tile upstairs master return ($134.34) Keys X3 $10.93 Remaining balance for moisture barrier $2,046.30 Subfloor repair $100.00 Flooring $9,900.64 Master tub filler faucet $311.35 Tile labor in all bathrooms $9,202.22 Stair treads and risers $1,160.76 Bathroom painting $2,000.00 Junk Removal $150.00 Return for stair noses ($334.20) Return for flooring ($13,488.73) Flooring $1,900.00 Flooring underlayment $899.35 Trim $1,053.17 Toilet supply lines $13.46 Tile sealer, garage epoxy, garbage disposal $313.00 Return for remaining balance ($1,098.57) Floor reducer $49.99 Garage door opener $267.66 Door hardware (Hinges and door handles) $451.14 Counter tops $5,287.01 Tile return ($981.43) Tile return ($685.14) Tile return ($385.53) Tile return ($153.19) Tile return ($613.13) Flooring $1,900.00 Plumbing and electrical work (Light fix, toilets, drains) $975.00 Light fixtures and faucets $975.49 Junk Removal $125.00 Baseboards $241.45 Switches, outlets, faceplates $234.53 Cabinet balance $5,583.86 Sink return ($155.62) Dining room light and 4 ceiling fans $923.70 Anti skid additive for garage floor $11.38 Flooring $1,900.00 Glidden gel paint $24.01 Paint refund ($1,046.40) Counter tops $2,304.23 Extension rods for ceiling fans $40.64 3 Ceiling fans (one was returned) $573.93 Return grills $100.11 Kitchen and nook light fixtures $283.80 Rod for curtains and toilet paper holder $84.10 Curtain rods $54.60 Garage door deposit $1,185.00 Cleaning $400.00 Water heater $756.18 Thermostat $181.41 Stump Removal $300.00 Dryer cord $28.53 Plumbing and electrical work (Light fix, toilets, drains) $3,525.00 Junk Removal $125.00 Grass seed $71.40 Return of shipping cost ($297.45) Duct cleaning $970.00 Drains for master $46.54 Sold Fridge ($200.00) Bathroom fans $91.92 Samples for brick $29.98 Peg board hooks $20.83 Wall plate covers $21.28 Steel pegboards $140.72 Return stair tread and Riser ($198.14) Pressure washing $1,216.00 Wall plate covers $8.11 Shower door for upstairs $729.83 Powder room counter top $702.99 Light bulbs $59.24 Shower door deposit $1,000.00 Staple gun, staples, supply lines $157.04 Bathtowel hanging hardware $130.89 Light bulbs $29.62 GFCIs, underlayment, downrods ($233.54) Sanding pads $59.10 Yard hanging tools $21.94 Supply line return ($13.12) Stair clips and balusters $779.58 Returned some bathroom tile ($109.05) Peg board hooks $120.04 Front door $3,235.01 Brick sealer $50.81 Bathroom fan light and peg board hooks $71.27 Sanding pads, sanding sheets, etc $38.48 Mirrors $65.84 Mirrors $291.88 Spray bottle for marble sealer $4.34 Brick backsplash $695.54 Sanding pads $2.20 Shelves and shelf brackets for storage room $73.14 Shower door balance $1,000.00 Mirrors $104.26 Returned mirrors ($89.50) Gutters $2,043.15 Floors for finishing room $373.78 Wall plate covers $8.07 Floetrel and hood vent $31.49 Plumbing and electrical work $175.00 Backsplash and fireplace $2,450.00 Trim paint $50.21 Tile for master finish $15.17 Returned something.

Cash for keys!