Fall River MA Newbie

[Darin Holmes]

Hello,

     Great to be a new member.  I'm living in New Hampshire but plan on moving to Fall River, MA next fall.  I am looking into purchasing a multi unit (2-4) house.  My wife and I would live in one unit and rent out the others.  I will be completely new to the real estate business and hope to avoid as many pitfalls as possible!  That's why I joined this site.  I am thinking that hiring a property manager would be the best approach as my wife and I both work full time.  Any thoughts?  I also am wondering about ongoing maintenance.  I was thinking that a few emergency call fees from the plumber or electrician could eat into profits quickly.  Do any of you hire or contract repair people on a long term basis and hopefully keep maintenance costs more manageable? Do the property managers assist with finding a good maintenance man?  Thanks in advance for any help or advice