Have bought 100s of properties in only two counties in WV/VA border .

These are the only ones I would self manage OOS unless you are right at the border. 

Just across the border from Wyoming.

These companies are funded by investment companies and are mostly gambling better technology will produce corporate profits.

I just reformed the way I log everything and am more disciplined with saving supporting evidence like screenshots of texts, emails, call logs, pictures, etc. so the main argument for shooting for the real estate professional status is that it helps you to stay focused and continually improve your methods.I will have to find a good CPA to help me navigate all of this, have you guys got any recommendations for real estate focused CPA's that work across state borders including PA?

So, why would I gamble on making more with that money especially when getting out of debt is more important to me?

Any state that borders a state where they have an office.

@Greg Scott,Going after appreciation is not investing - it's speculating (gambling).

Probably not but are you willing to gamble that?

This is more like gambling and does not appear to be strategic.