So seeing where the houses are at and trying to weigh the distance heavily is important.Here's a real world example on how I'd estimate the ARV on one of my properties:868 Edwin dr, bourbonnais, IL - 4bdrm/1.5bath, 1600 sq ft, built in 1970, on a crawl.I would go to zillow and enter that address.

I would suggest hubzu for your local properties, but not a long distance property. 

Distance doesn't seem to disturb you.  

(Recently, we're finding a lot of the New York money coming down south and pushing up prices.)It's absolutely possible to own at a distance, but it's critical to have the right management company in place to oversee your property.  

But with supply constraints and demand hitting peak levels in these markets, the yields from these investments are on the decline.

You don't need to complete the whole degree and it's distance based.

I'd highly recommend reaching out to somewhere within a short driving distance from LA County, like Bakersfield, Mojave, or possibly Maricopa or Castaic.  

It's close to the courthouse (County seat), walking distance to the regional hospital, bars, restaurants and schools. 

There are lots of people here that self manage from a distance.

we have boots on the ground  in Detroit since everything is ling distance with me would be more then willing to connect you  and all our properties are turn key with managers in placeLook forward to speaking with you