If you self manage, the tenant calls you, you call a plumber and it's fixed.

There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that might interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Even though  you are self managing make sure  you pay yourself for your time though  even if it is just on paper.

. 🙏  I will continue to educate my self and invest in order to succeed 

I never said you had in anyway ever violated any laws or misrepresented your self.

We self-managed a very large portfolio ourselves for years.

The rates are a bit higher but it allows those with self employment income to get started.

@Justin Tylus tagged at end of post to keep text from self deleting...

This is a great forum with very knowledgeable members that will help to guide you in the right direction.There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

If you can self-manage locally and are willing I'd also stay local for that reason, saving 8-10% on a PM and getting firsthand knowledge of how to properly manage a property will help you a ton once you do upgrade to using a PM.As others have said, there are other risks associated with buying out of state, if you have the capital to manage and weather any storms you may run into from afar its not out of the question as to whether it is worth it but as a new investor you truly do not know what you do not know so I wouldn't recommend investing long-distance.