Moving away, want to Keep and Rent w/ property manager in Philly

[Mike Cesarano]

I'm moving from Philly for a job in California. Ideally I think I could rent the place for $1800. It's in a great neighborhood, has a big kitchen and a deck on the roof. I'm paying $1250 a month for the mortgage. I'm weighing that against selling it (probably would get $275k with $178k left on the mortgage and then paying 6% to realtors and 2% transfer tax to the city).

I also feel like my neighborhood is only improving, so I expect some pretty real appreciation on this house.

I'm having trouble finding a property manager I would trust. Would I be better off asking a semi capable friend to handle it for 7% of the rents?

What would you do? Does anyone know how to find a property manager in Philly?