@Chris Winterhalter You would probably do alot better sticking to forums where you have the expertise and experience to offer advice rather than find threads you know nothing about.

Low barrier to entry.(1) Self manage or (2) price extra vacancy, turnover, and repair costs in your financial models or (3) scale to professional apartment management. 

I can find the deals near my area (1 hr away & hometown), that show about 8% IRR in our model.

Theoretically, this means improved real estate marketing performance and ROI.CurationCuration remains a popular trend, though its value may be suffering due to larger trends, and the obvious need for originality.CrowdfundingNot only is technology creating more efficiency in mortgage lending, it is spawning new financing models altogether.

They provide a cookie cutter model and take very little of your personal needs into consideration. 

If so then the knowledge, service and expertise of a professional you are working with would be more important than location.

Sounds like from you @Lee Ripma and @Matt K. having a comprehensive understanding of their business model and if it jives with what you're trying to accomplish is critical.

Buy all the same brand, finish, and model. 

I'm in the space owning apartment communities down in the metro Atlanta area so if you need help analyzing any deals I've built a financial model (example on my website) that I help investors underwrite deals all the time for free if you ever need any help.

Flipping is a J O B, one that requires time and expertise.