I think it would be safest if I had a partner with boots on the ground so to speak rather than relying completely on a management company to oversee my investment.

I am very gratefully that within the article you provided an exit strategy for us genius that do what I just did.

I don't know if you are living in Mumbai right now or living in FL but if you are living away... you can still do this strategy because it's not only scalable, but the strategy is capable of working virtually... meaning you can have a group of bird dogs doing all the ground work for you and you just split the profits. so, I know it's long but I hope it helps!

Also check out the murder map, and make sure there isn't a ton of crime in the immediate 1 or 2 blocks, certified lead free on everything, have a team on the ground that knows what they are doing, pull permits always if your going to do work, get good insurance.

I have friends on the ground who keep their ears open.

Your return was likely audited solely because you marked RE professional when you didn't qualify because of your W-2 or other reasons.The information you provided is no grounds for anyone to go rouge and claim RE professional status.  

I am usually the guy on the ground informing the design and ensuring our general contract (and subs) stay on course.  

You don't have the option of getting 5 more years of data before you decide whether or not this model is viable.Q3 - I long-distance self-manage, most of my processes are automated and I have people on the ground to do the physical work.  

If anyone knows how to pull the owner names and mailing address quicker, I'd be forever grateful !

Time to put some type of screen/grate on it.