I can also share the local contacts I have made in the past decade for all the services you will need if you decide to pull the trigger ie: Notary, CPA, Real Estate law firms, photographers, property managers, financing, developers, etc. 

What are some good and bad signs to look out for when searching for a new property manager?

In the meantime, if you're looking to build a team for wholesaling and managing rentals, focusing on networking and connecting with others in these regions can be highly beneficial.Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss anything related to the Montana market.

when I learned to fly we hoped right in I got in the left seat and very first flight I managed the take off and even landed fairly decently. so yes you do learn on the job so to speak.

I'm hoping to connect with other California investors in the same boat and learn from people who successfully manage properties out of state.

People on here are overreacting to this issue, with over 2 million rental homes in California I'm going to go out on a limb and say the ones that have issues with tenants, generally, are the poorer managed ones. 

You may need a construction manager (a guy a friend who is organized doesn't need to be a pro trades person but doesn't use or party) to daily boots on site be orchestrating who is on first and that no one steals your supplies.

It will help you read the law, gives practical advice on how to manage, and provides some sample forms.

I am a 21 year old investor based out of Brooklyn, NY w/ two investments properties (payed off mortgage) that I manage and I have been pushing forward and researching and reading and learning as much as I I can about real estate.

As I tell all individuals wanting to invest out of state, regardless of the market, your success rate will largely depend on the resourcefulness and reliability of your team (agent, lender, property manager, contractor).