Definitely NOT wanting to complicate things, yet at the same time we can exit in a variety of ways as long as our initial valuation of the portfolio was correctly executed from day 1.

Doesn't matter where they are, you can still earn a referral fee for connecting out-of-town leads w/ agents in that area.As far as brokerages, there are many great choices with a wide variety of business models. 

It has to be the right fit and make sense from an investment standpoint.The best way to get in touch with competent plumbers, cleaners, maintenance, etc while self managing is to get in touch and work with a competent Realtor that specializes in overnight rental cabins and/or one of the groups on Facebook/Bigger Pockets, etc that are primarily self managing their cabins and offer recommendations in the various industries  necessary to operate a STR from out of state.The cabins we own (and have owned) are a variety in size so I can try to lend some advice on the advantages/disadvantages of each.

You can refinance using a variety of other portfolio lenders that will be higher interest than Fannie or Freddie, but the qualification is much much easier. 

@JC ConchasThe answer will depend somewhat regarding which variety of service provider you choose, but the key answer is; yes, there will be ongoing fees of some kind. 

We are still 4-6 years out from a crash and that the next crash will be a garden variety, unless something changes (major inflation, Middle east, etc). 

The greater Miami area has much more room to run, but South Beach in particular is built-out.In my opinion, you can't go wrong buying on the Beach, as demand is strong for a variety of factors (seasonal US demand, year-round European demand, and structural economical influences in South America).Let me know if you'd like to talk through it; in the meantime, good luck.Jason

If the work includes a wide variety of tasks and you don't want to manage a bunch of subcontractors, then you might consider getting a general contractor.

There are a variety of models out here.

I help my out of state investors with a variety of resources, from recommendations and introductions to property managers, contractors, lenders and everyone else you need to be successful investing in the Greater Peoria area.