There's plenty of opportunity for one to inflate their time, or be dishonest about a situation, if they are so inclined.When paying someone else, a person with the relationship and 'on the ground' also has opportunities to work with a vendor to artificially inflate prices.For me, the moral of the story, to be totally honest is not to be the passive investor type.There are folks on here that will have a different perspective/take on this, however my belief is to not expose yourself like this - and if you have the ability/constraints, be the more active investor of the two.

We currently live in Alaska so this will be a long distance relationship until we move.

You aren’t gonna try to BrRr long distance right?

Therefore the RICS accreditation.The degree will cost me about 15-23k $ + 2 years of distance learning in addition to the work.Does anyone have experience with RICS?

I'd say gated communities would be the least risky investment if you're doing buy and hold from a distance. 

@Antonio Walton   I always recommend reading “The intelligent Investor” - Benjamin Graham and “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing” - David Greene    Two solid books for buy and hold investors.

It's in a nice location, right by a lake and will be walking distance from a project that will revitalize the area.

I've begun arming myself with knowledge the best I can through audio books such as the book on rental property investing and long distance real estate investing.

The property is located within 5 minutes of many shops and a major grocery store and walking distance from a University here.

Its in a B- area that is showing signs of improvement by the city and businesses within walking distance.