@Allan Smith great stuff.

It seems like for the past five years, you have to be fast if you want a reasonable deal when looking at the main stream stuff. 

It sounds like you have some experience under your belt already, exciting stuff!

Yes it is entirely possible to invest in an area by never visiting the area but if people are planning to have a huge net worth tied to a specific city, you may as well spent the money to visit for at least 3-4 days.The trip doesn't necessarily need to be all business.Plan the trip appropriately - tell your contractors, tenants(if you want), property management companies that you will be arriving ahead so you can meet with them. 

So many watch HGTV or Youtube and believe this stuff is simple and basic.

I'll be living in a different state, I have people that can come over and check on serious things, but what about little stuff, like changing air filters.

Once you have this number, you need to look at your repair costs (this takes skill in construction estimating), to arrive at an estimated rehab budget.

Good stuff @Greg Rulfs!

Very interesting stuff, gentlemen. 

The cheaper stuff usually has thin wear layer and is not waterproof.