Lastly, do not form a land trust for the sake of trying to circumvent lending requirement.

In other words, if your exit strategy would be to sell, then I would not buy the property unless you can get it for a price where you would have the option of at a minimum recouping your cost.I know today's market can be difficult but trust your numbers.

They have great reviews and the person is knowledgeable but I wanted to check with the BP brain trust before signing for a loan with them.

The Delaware Trust is an option but costly and you are penalizing most investors for the few that are doing a 1031 to bother w/the extra cost.

It's an area I know, it's close enough to manage in person, I found a good cleaner/manager I can trust, and the house appreciated dramatically right after I bought it - about 40% in year one, and another 40% in year two.

@Anthony Pitruzzello Unless the mortgage, deed of trust or note says otherwise, of course you get to select your own insurance company.

You should find a trusted small builder in the area. 

Some investors strike a balance by hiring reliable part-time managers or trusted local handymen who can respond quickly without the full cost of a property management company.

To maximize your results and ease management, focus on these key aspects:Build a strong local team: Reliable property management and trusted contractors are crucial for remote success.Leverage technology: Automate tasks like rent collection and communication.

Or you could rent it out and earn income now.Start with Just a Few Trusted ProsIf this idea sounds interesting, the most important first step is to connect with a few key people who can guide you through the process:A local real estate agent who understands the marketA lender who specializes in second home or investment loansSurrounding yourself with the right pros can help you make confident decisions from day one.Bottom LineTalk with a local real estate agent about what’s possible.