Converting my Primary into a Rental and managing remotely

[John Kim]

Hi, I am new (like absolutely new) to real estate investing and wanted to get some advice. 

I am in the process of moving to Austin from Dallas but wanted to convert my existing primary into a LTR rental while managing the property remotely from Austin. I have lived in the property for more than 3 years and we have been the only occupants in the home since it was built.
The potential cashflow isn't the best but our primary goals were to build up the equity in the home to be able to potentially purchase other properties in the future with the chance that we may return to the house in the future.

The property is in the Castle Hills area in the northern side of DFW which for those who don't know is generally a neighborhood with higher income tenants. 

1. Is it better to go with a property manager considering I won't be in the same city? Personally would love to get the chance to learn how to do it but I am a bit intimidated.
2. If I were to manage the property myself, what would be the necessary steps I should take to make sure I can do this remotely. 
3. How often should I come up to do a routine inspection?
4. Any advice on the kinds of people I should have in "my team" to make this a success?

[Michael Smythe]

Get a PMC or you will regret renting out your former primary residence when you see how tenants do NOT take care of it:(