There are several different options whether it be passively investing utilizing some of the larger companies who do all the work for you or more active investment that will make your money go a little farther if you are comfortable doing more work.

Has anyone found a reliable and secure solution to this problem?

I'm was going to refinance my home from my mortgage company so I could do some home repair but I decided I don't want to I have not schedule a closing date but i have singed some paperwork how do I back out of it ?

I've worked with turnkey companies in Memphis and Detroit.

Do you have any recommendations on which cities/ zip codes you find better and which company would you recommend for property management?

I moved into my apartment last March and it is owned by a major property management company.

I met some other MTR tenants near me...one from Germany doing a 3 month training for his company, and another who was just "testing" out living in LA as opposed to their hometown in San Diego.

In discussions with our realtor and a friend who owns a development company, their offer is extremely low. 

I’ve been wanting to purchase a vacation rental near the downtown area for some time, but I haven’t come by the right property or management company.

Get creative if you need to.Finally, use a title company/closing attorney for all the paperwork, make sure they do a title search, (I would recommend paying the money for a Warranty Deed to ensure your protected as the buyer from any unknown liens) and then make sure the Promissory Note is secured, i.e. recorded against the property with the county recorders.