Every person is working under different constraints based on time, money, location or something else so I would suggest start by identifing those constraints to help you figure out what investing strategy (or strategies) would work best for you.

We are *definitely* planning on finding a property manager, as long-distance, out-of-state management of our house (especially while learning the ropes) doesn't seem like a good idea to me.I'm definitely *NOT* looking for a mentor, just the opinions of those further down the road learning this stuff than I am!

Especially when you are investing at a distance

Does anyone have experience with long distance rehabs? 

If you were not moving there I would be recommending you don't get involved- ( I don't believe its the somewhere to invest long distance)- but if you will have your feet on the ground over there-, proceed with extreme caution, learn fast and connect with the right team and partners - it can  work.

@Garrett M.Hey Garrett,I would be interested in an opportunity anywhere within reasonable distance to Philadelphia, but have only been looking in the city proper.

Within driving distance of the Bay Area and with decent rental returns, Sacramento was chosen as a starting point.  

What type of team member would be needed to assess in which part of a city you should purchase when you are either long distance or just not intimately familiar with that particular city?

It can be daunting investing long distance.

I've done several deals locally in Northern New Jersey, but am thinking of the condo market in Boston, Chicago, etc which will put me in a position of being a landlord from a distance for the first time.Who here has experience with this / what suggestions do you have?