@Luke J Nelsen - Personally, we do them in Anchorage and Wasilla - the two biggest population centers.

If it's feasible I always recommend to start investing locally and sourcing the deals, contractors and if interested manage yourself.

Market research, local expertise, networking, property management, financial planning, potential legal and tax ramifications, risk management, and long-term vision are important factors to take into account.

As far as getting best rents, I've seen professional photos make a huge difference and depending on your local market placing it all the typical property sites like Zillow, Trulia, etc.

Despite mortgage rates being double what they were two years ago, the overall borrowing environment remains favorable for state and local entities.Key initiatives driving this surge include efforts by entities like the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, which recently launched a $425 million bond sale aimed at providing affordable mortgages to over 2,700 families.

@Tim SwierczekThis must be local to you.

Take a class on Financial Planning at a local Junior College. 

Not only is the new owner taking subject to local law, but taking subject to means current owners cannot conduct sham sales in order to evade tenant protections. 

If you want to use a local company to manage your rental instead of self-managing, I can put you in contact with a great team!

Have you tried attending any FREE local real estate meet ups in your area?