Is there any shame in paying rent as a REI?

[Steve DellaPelle]

I am currently house hacking a 4-unit but I plan on moving out and renting out my apartment to maximize cash flow. For some reason it feels wrong to pay rent in my next move but it is what makes sense for me going forward with my job close to the city.

My next investments will likely require professional management as the location is 2+ hours away so my thoughts are to pay rent where I want to live (close to the city) and also to have my investments within driving range but with a PM.

Do other investors pay rent?