First-time poster here, very new member of BP.I'm a renter who is not looking to buy my own place -- unless I can house hack w/in a couple miles of downtown.Because I believe the chances of finding my ideal house hack to be pretty slim, I'm thinking about buying a SFH or MFH somewhere within a one-hour driving distance from Pittsburgh.

Once you have decided how you want to run things - it might be useful to contact them and either go and meet them in person and discuss the new management style or if you would rather keep your distance then write to them - perhaps with a welcome gift/token to say I'm glad we will be associated and I look forward to a positive/friendly relationship.

I know that the focus is on social distancing right now, but when that lifts, going to real estate meetups in your area is probably one of the most helpful things to do at the beginning.

My OOS properties I have PM for due to the distance.

I'm aware of 2 other investors in Chapel Hill/Carrboro who have used the same approach: 1 acquired a property in Carrboro and is currently using it as a STR, and the other is a 'traditional' long term rental.The property I'll soon be closing on is a townhouse - for sale by owner - located on two buslines near UNC and walking distance from downtown Carrboro. 

We offer spacious layouts and amenities to welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location all within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

I have an added challenge that i'm doing this entire dance long distance :)I'll give them the option of a seller credit, or fixing it themselves.

Lastly, would anyone recommend long distance investing for a first property? 

With social distancing/closed schools/closed offices - everything happening at home - all at once - now, your visits are probably not going to be met with great enthusiasm (unless you offer to tutor the kids while you're there). 

Bought a Triplex with previous fire (but not structural) damage. 2 units previously renovated and rented out by flipper. 3rd unit in need of complete renovation (demo, electrical and rough in plumbing completed but needs insulation, drywall, the works).Bought long distance during the 'Rona virus, list price was 400k, bought for 375k plus seller credit of 22,500 to put into repairs.