LDRs can work. the obstacles could make it more difficult, but then again the obstacles could make the relationship stronger.
there's dating someone in person (reason for distance is school, job, family, and so forth) and then there's online dating. i think the former implies that both people have met with each other for a prolonged time and they will eventually meet again which is fine. however the latter seems iffy bc a person can present themselves as someone they're not and they can hide things more easily. i think there's a consensus that trust is a huge factor in any relationship, and LDRs can make it more tricky.
personally i don't think i could do it. i read into the 5 love languages (acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, and physical touch). my top love languages are quality time and acts of service - tied. i feel loved when someone grabs a meal with me, runs errands with me, or even helps me with a project. i know it's possible to call someone while doing these, but it's not the same for me
i don't have the patience, but i know a lot of people who do!