In terms of regulatory history, this is rather new and it is real.Jumping into real estate thinking houses are just widgets or a commodity will lead to trouble, real estate is unique and so are the regulations.

So I think the answer for any particular provider, would depend on the customer base and some of the unique characteristics of the provider.

We've considered having her drive all the way to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo, both about an hour away, for the better job opportunities, but I don't feel comfortable with her being on the road that much every day.

Some real interesting opportunities pop up when larger, unique buildings come up for bid.

If I understand the question correctly, you realized you made it to real estate - when you get  "the confidence" that you have the ability to deal with any real estate challenge (tied to the methodology you are working on such as - Flips, rental or wholesale, etc) ,though every challenge is unique and never encountered before.It's like any job that is not exactly repetitive but similar methodology, right ? 

She sold me the deal because I promised not to tear the house down, and agreed to have her be the first one in the house when it was finished.2.

One thing about condos I have found (just being on 3 different boards in the past) is that they are all so unique. 

In this case, in my case, being me, being her, being this specific situation it just worked.The mailing piece really didn't do it.

Local investors can self manage but remote investors will have more trouble finding a reliable manager for lower end asset classes.This asset class certainly carry their own unique risks.

@Kevin Trumbull glad to hear it, Eugene is a very cool unique city!