In every case, I direct traffic to our website, which keeps pictures and information about current rentals so that it can help screen some of the traffic.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/7365/blog_post...Here it is... a little trickier to find my older blog posts if not last 3 (from my view of profile, not sure what others).

I have gone thru the password reset process 2-3 time over last 2 days since I couldn't get past login screen ( so clearly I am at least typing in my email address properly lol). 

An investment broker will help find the right property for you with their knowledge of the local market and the ability to run numbers for you on cash flow, and in the property management part of their business they'll be able to take over landlording and fully vet tenants for you through their screening process to make sure the right tenant is in place.

Tenant screening is so important.

Also figure on needing a plumber to patch at least a couple of leaks which are usually the cause of the mold.Can't say much about replacing furnaces but if it is older than 10 years when I was looking to buy a house for myself I viewed it as a negative.  

I figured that it's not all its built up to be, but how do you know that unless someone like you comes along and has a view from the inside.

Here's probably my best: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/25/5-dominate-property-management/.But the big things are 1) Screen very diligently, 2) Treat it as a business, not a hobby and treat the tenants as clients not friends so 3) Be fair but firm with them when it comes to their requests and/or excuses regarding rent.

I've gone to view 4 properties so far since I've been working with them (weeks for one and a few days for the other realtor) 4 properties in two different locations.

You can post there and it won't show up in the search engines and this would be a good place to post if you want it to be hidden from public view.