New/potential landlord seeking experienced counsel

[Calla Gruss]

Hi all,

I have some very rudimentary questions about what I can expect in renting out my 3 bed/2 bath home and becoming a landlord.This home is in the north Atlanta region in a very middle class swim community neighborhood

1: Specifically, I am interested in what SHOULD be charged above the mortgage and escrow to make this a viable option as an investment property. Just wondering if there's a quick "rule  of thumb" I should follow. My mortgage and escrow combined is $841 per month. 

2: I have no experience as a landlord. I am planning to move approximately 2-3 hours north, so my expectation is that I would not need a property manager. Would it be realistic to manage a rental as a newbie from that distance? 

Thanks in advance. 

Calla

[Deanna McCormick]

sounds like you should use a PM, to start google search craigslist, zillow for like properties in your area to find rental rates for starters. and then interview at least 2 PM companies to find out costs and what they can do for you. Then you can google search landlord tenant laws for your state so you know what your expected to do, and what a PM is also expected to know.