The way I see it your partner scenario could have an advantage over a property manager because they have more skin in the game. 

It is always nice to get multiple points of view.

Absentee Owners have been popular for a long time, and are apparently still somewhat effective (people are still mailing to them) but they are getting multiple offers to buy their home.

If you intend to have multiple rental properties in your portfolio then be cognizant of how your primary home could impact that. 

JV with them.All HML want some type of skin in the game.

Absentee Owners have been popular for a long time, and are apparently still somewhat effective (people are still mailing to them) but they are getting multiple offers to buy their home.

This neighbor was looking for an all cash, no contingency buyer willing to purchase the property "as is", and if anybody knows the Denver area right now, she would be able to find multiple interested parties.

Absentee Owners have been popular for a long time, and are apparently still somewhat effective (people are still mailing to them) but they are getting multiple offers to buy their home.

I have analyzed multiple deals, looked at what comps sold for in the area and what current rents are in the market.  

We've had to do this multiple times over the last few years.Also: "What is the best, least expensive..."