My question is what extra questions and or precautions do you take when hiring a management firm that will be running a investment that will NOT be in driving distance?

Be firm but fair and do not expect what you don't inspect. 

I WANT TO WORK.Feel free to contact me in whichever firm is suitable.Look forward to hearing from someone!

I am super eager to start, and I need some guidance to start my journey. 

@Corey Boernson, Hello I'm an investor in Owensboro,Ky.We always check with local property management firms and Craigslist for comparable rents and properties.That seems to be most accurate for us.If your interested I attended a BP meetup in Louisville a couple of weeks ago that was beneficial.Not sure about the date in January but I can let you know if any interest.Thanks and have a good 2016.

I am super eager to learn from all of you and am looking forward to networking with other real estate investors in the community! 

You may pay from $1500 - $2000 to work with a quality firm that provides ongoing advisement with respect to proper usage of the tool within the IRS rules.

Here's an interesting story in the Detroit News today:"When loans failed, financial firms practically gave away some homes in Detroit.Warren landlord Alan Thorne said he bought 50 homes for $1 apiece in 2007 from subprime lending giant Ocwen Financial Corp. of Georgia.A year later, his company paid $9,600 for 10 foreclosed homes from Novastar Financial, a Kansas City-based subprime lender, records show.Since then, all but one of the properties have been foreclosed on by the county for nonpayment of taxes."

What is best strategy to approach should I stay firm on my $130, go up a few dollars..

Most of the small firms are family oriented and no desire to bing in someone.