Like Alex said there are certain areas to avoid, (like Alex said) so boots on ground to assess is always best.   

Adults can be booted out.

We deployed professional property management to combat this. 

Your family can also likely provide some helpful insight into good/bad areas and could be helpful as boots on the ground if you want another opinion from someone you already know/trust.

Rookie Boot Camp?

@Miladin Knezevic As already mentioned, if you do not have a team (boots on ground) then best (lowest risk) option is to take Turnkey route.

How many people do you think any good deal would have to get past to get all the way to you, without boots on the ground?

Long-distance investing is best suited for experienced investors who have boots on the ground in the area so they know they can trust the decisions being made.

Acquisitions team, renovation crews (fully licensed and insured), Property Management, and a Real Estate Investment Brokerage in case you ever decide to sell.By teaming up with a solid firm you can mitigate your risk and have some "boots on the ground" that have your best interest in mind. 

So this misunderstanding is pretty wide spread but can be combatted.