Obviously, coffee isn't an option long distance.

The second property I found is the same distance to work.

My simple criteria entails the following for all my purchases: 1) Must meet .8% or close to 1% rule (so need cash flow)2) A or B+ Areas 3) Must be in an appreciation area (I bought in an area that would have potential upside since it’s by Helotes4) Must have solid school system (7 and above) if in suburbs or in a “Hip” area that is walking distances to bars/restaurants (this applies more for downtown area investments) Note- since I’m such a long term buy and hold investor, if any of these criteria goes side ways, I still come up on top in long run.

Was just "assuming" I had to invest in a property within driving distance a bad idea?

Of course we may find out that people continue to stay in this area even after Covid, but we have to plan that they won't or that at least some of the incredible growth will subside.So now my question: this area is a good distance from where I live. 

How can I educate myself on the market in that area when I am located a good distance away?

Hello BP,Does anybody have any input on managing properties long-distance?

HI Ashley,Check out the book "Long Distance Real Estate Investing" By David Green.  

I'm a long-distance investor (my wife and I own property that we've never seen) and own a transaction coordination business so I've seen even more deals.Greg made a good comment in that the average BP member knows more about validating if a property is a good deal or not from a numerical perspective.However, the agents I've hired and the agents I work with who build great investor businesses focus on adding value that you can only get on the ground.For example, I want to know more about the property that I could ever learn about online. 

If you invest long distance it will be even harder because you won't know the area as well and managing rehabs from long distance is not easy whatsoever.