Buy something move in ready or that just needs minor work so it is not too overwhelming and removes some variables from the equation.House-hacking and buying a pure rental require two different approaches in my opinion. 

How have folks here approached this.

Could I ask what your approach was to your some of your earliest out-of-state/long distance investments? 

s dose of hard truth is what I needed to hear as I approach this first deal without any experience working with tenants.  

I had trouble finding a vendor due to a harsh winter last year. so I approached a vendor that had given me an estimate back in April 2021 (when I purchased the property). 

What are the best ways to approach this?

We have been approached by a property management company who are interested in leasing for 2 years.

Charles Metropolitan areas and approaching them directly.

Best approach is target areas and work off-market approach.

This is your mistake and you need to approach the situation from this viewpoint.