Hiring a property manager vs. doing it yourself

[Jonathan Saft]

I am running analysis on different multi-family properties in the South Philadelphia area as part of a plan to house hack a duplex or triplex. I am planning on living in one of the units for 1-2 years before moving, renting all of the units, and cash flowing.

In the analysis, I am currently assuming no property management costs while I am living there, and then hiring a property manager for 10% of the total rent income. 

If I am still planning on living in the area (within 10-20 minutes), is it unreasonable to think that I can continue being the property manager after I move out of the property? Keep in mind that I also have a relatively demanding full-time job, and this will be my first investment property.

Any advice or similar experience here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jon Kelly]

@Jonathan Saft of course it's reasonable to self-manage 2-3 units... You can plan to self manage and always switch to a PM if the time commitment is too much. I'd suggest building relationships with 2-3 PMs in your market and have them on standby so you aren't scrambling last minute if/when things start getting overwhelming