It's happened more than once that I've refunded the deposit, advertised a vacant unit for a few weeks, finally placed a new tenant a 3-6 weeks later, and then discovered a legit roach problem. 

They have good systems and coaching support, but the systems they offer aren’t plug and play.

She was laughing at how investors thought they were buying lien-free like advertised in the late night infomercials or something.

Matt Fisher Here are some advertising ideas:TurbotenantZillow rental manager (formerly postlets)Cozy.co“Pick your neighbor post card” refer a family or friend and receive gift card, $100, etcFacebookPosters at gas station, post office, church, schoolNewspaperMost of these are from Brandon Turners book on managing rental properties.

Seems like your parents don't really support you.

While initially, this strategy seemed so risky because of the distance and not being able to check in on our investments, I believe that with a few deals behind me, I can leverage the skills I have built building my catering business into building a great support team.

Hope this helps.Partner 150% OwnershipSelect ProjectAgree to Price of Offer and Other Conditions Submit Offer to BrokerAgree to Rehab Plan and Schedule Prepare Funding Opportunity Document Solicit Investors for FundingCoordinate Funding for the ProjectCoordinate Documents with Attorney for Funding Coordinate with Attorney Closing Dates and Fees Coordinate with Real Estate Broker on DetailsSecure Property Insurance and have Utilities Activated Secure Bank Account to Pay BillsPayments over $500 Require Approval of Both Owners Prepare On-Line Advertising for Property Available for Rent Upon Selection of Tenant Run Criminal and Credit Check Agree to Rent Amount and Security DepositProvide Updates to our Private Investors as to Progress of Project and Coordinate with the Bank on the RefinanceRequest Appraisal as soon as PracticalProvide Personal/Business Credit to Secure Refinance Close on Refinance Within Scheduled TimeExit StrategyPartner 2 50% OwnershipSelect ProjectsAgree to Price of Offer and Other Conditions Develop Plan for RehabDevelop Construction Schedule Develop Budget for Rehab Coordinate with Outside Contractors Initiate and Complete RehabLabor will be at cost as part of Participation to Operating Agreement Agree to Terms on Funding Conditions i.e., Interest Rate etcCoordinate Permits if Applicable with Government EntitySchedule Inspections and Remedy ComplianceSecure Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection Approval Both Members will Agree to Pay BillsPayments over $500 Require Approval of Both Owners Coordinate Showing Property to Prospective Tenants Select Prospective Tenants and Recommend to Member Agree to Rent Amount and Security DepositClean Up Property for TenantProvide Property Management and Maintenance Provide Personal/Business Credit to Secure Financing Exit Strategy

If not, and they can't show you actual data to support that number, I would be wary.  

Many syndicators are able to put together a portfolio of general partner interests which provide enough recurring income to support their lifestyle.The key is to figure out where you want to be on the active - passive spectrum.

Thanks for any support!