Mail takes money but it has proven effective IF you get good lists.While Absentee Owners with Equity have been the most popular for years, the problem is that too many people are mailing to the same people and selling to each other.Consider working with a list broker who can make better suggestions for your market. 

Syndications have never been more popular. 

A popular rural area if that makes sense.

The home is in a very popular suburb of Denver where I should be able to get 2000 - 2200 a month in rent. 

Smooth drywall ceilings, which take more skill to do correctly, are more popular these days in the higher price range.

Out of state turnkey is popular for the reasons you listed - your home market is overpriced and if you're going to go turnkey anyway, might as well do it in a market where your capital can go further.I always recommend that you make the trip to visit your top one or two choices for turnkey providers once you've done the legwork of narrowing down your choices.

The first purpose is to buy a house in a location where my kids have moved to and use "part time BNB and part time home for us"....There are other areas around this one that have more vacay spots and popular destinations. 

Many are well represented by sellers & turnkey operators here on BiggerPockets (myself included) The most popular markets are Cleveland (my stomping grounds)ToledoMemphisBirminghamKCIndyDetroitEach of these markets is popular with turnkey investors because of the low barrier to entry, high rental demand & high rent to price ratio.

At least you know you are dealing with a seller that is ready to sell.But I understand that there are sometimes properties that aren't listed accurately, and little gems can be uncovered... a popular example would be 2 bedrooms houses that have more than 2000 square feet. 

The Lahaina Beach House is a premier hostel and vacation rental located on popular Front Street located in Maui, Hawaii.