Should I use a property management company? Looking for pros/cons

[Laurie Falk]

My offer on my first investment property was just accepted!! I'm so excited, but pretty nervous too-- I've never been a landlord before! It's a 4/2 duplex (2/1 on each side). One side is currently occupied and one is vacant.

Suggestions on whether to use a PMC? I like the idea of having someone else manage it, but it seems like such a large part of the potential income that I wouldn't get to keep.

Thanks!