NEWB! Sell or Rent Personal Residence?!

[Jason Williams]

I'm new to the forum and could use some advice!

Situation: I have a paid off personal residence - a 3/2/2 in the heart of the suburbs of Tampa. My wife and I are looking to relocate closer to our places of employment in Tampa, and rent for at least a few years (likey a much smaller apartment than our existing home). We may look to come back to the area after several years, but that is uncertain.

Dilemma: To rent or sell the existing home.

Financials: Estimated rent for my personal property would be $1,300 per month. After property insurance and taxes ($300), Repair/Maintenance/HOA ($225), and vacancy reserve ($130), it is only netting about $645 / month. There is no mortgage on the property.

I'd estimate netting about $145K to $150K if we sold.

 Questions:

1) Would your rent or sell?

2) What recommends do you have for renting for the first time?

I have read the Ultimate Beginner's Guide, renting overview, landlording overview, and tenant screening overview on this forum. I also downloaded the Rental Agreement.

Thank you!