Should I rent out my house?

[Micky Fokken]

This is probably a very commonly asked question, "Show I rent out my house?". In 4 years I am planning on upgrading to a bigger house. I have a solid 3/2 house in a town with 2 colleges.

I am thinking about using a property management company to manage the house.

If I do so, how much time is required on my end per month or year?

I'm trying to decide if I should keep the house and rent it our...or spend all the time I would have spent on the house and do IT consulting on the side instead, making $75 - $100+ / hour.

Thanks!