Forced to rent my home and need advise on management company vs self managed

[Peter Turner]

Hello,

I will have to move overseas by the end of the year and unfortunately I can't sell my home due to owing more than what it is worth.

The good thing is that it is a nice 4 bedroom 2 bath home in a decent area with charming homes around AND that the mtg pymt is under $600.00 including taxes and insurance. Neighbor is trying to rent the same home for $1,200 as we speak so I might beat him to a good tenant if I price it just under $1,200 if need be.

My concern, should I get a PM company to deal with the process or should I attempt to do it myself from overseas.
I have a good friend who can assist with face to face issues and inspections or with paying contractors to fix things when needed, but I will be depending on his goodwill.

I would just have to make sure I screen the tenant to the best of my abilities to try and get one who will last at least 1yr in the house.

OR just get a PM to do everything for me.

Any recommendations on a good PM company in Nashville TN and what should I aim for as far as fees and cost of a good PM company?

Thanks for any input..