Then I can generate income statements to do the Schedule E's.

I would certainly love to meet you in person.

I believe there should also be somewhere around 4 hours per each of those days spent on that business activity (meeting with PM, contractors, tenants, local agents, maybe going to open houses to "check" the market, do work on the rental, etc.)One example I remember was a deductible seminar in a place like Hawaii (let's say New Orleans, in your case.)

Your rental activity is reported on Schedule E, and there is no income tax liability associated with Schedule E.

When I place and ad on Craigslist I ask that they reply first with a portfolio of before and after pictures and 3 references In which I can call and or in person meet and see the work that have been done.

I'd love to meet up with other investors in the area. 

You may be interested in a meet up that is going to take place on November 29th in Mesa.

With a target customer segment in mind, then you set about developing a product or service that your customer is willing to pay for that consistently meets their needs better than the competition.When we bought our two SF rentals, I used that same approach.  

And network with the locals at the REIAs and meet ups. 

But really, in my mind, say you stay there and do some repairs and paint and furniture in the beginning, then maybe some time in between, you might meet those required days.