What to do with keys when you live out of state?

[John Matarazzo]

Hi all, looking for some advice,

I just purchased my first property, a duplex in another state, but its only a 1.5hr drive for me. Short enough that I can come to the property when needed and to do inspections but long enough that I can't really take time off to go up there all the time.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What do you usually do with keys? For example, if you need a repair man to come and the tenant is at work how do you get them into the unit?

Do you all use a lock box? Any safety concerns leaving that outside of the building? The neighborhood is decent but I am a little hesitant to keep a lock box outside all of the time.

Any suggestions, what have you done?

Thanks!