@Daniel Lozowy There are a lot of different ways to look at it. Managing a 20 unit can be really easy but it can be really hard. This is an important distinction to make.
A stabilized 20-unit with gradual rental increases and typical maintenance, you could manage that yourself.
If you are buying a distressed asset, then it gets more complicated. By distressed I mean rents are significantly below market rate, deferred maintenance in the units and the exterior of the building. Are you looking at doing significant upgrades to change the position of the property? This process takes a more experienced property manager because this is when it become fun.
When trying to reposition a property there are several moving parts and finding someone that can handle it all would be ideal. In my opinion the property management company would need to be able to do the following for you.
If you are looking to reposition, message me and I can give you some pointers in to what to look for in a PM company.
As far as partnering and compensation I would suggest the following. You pay your normal %% for the handling of the day-to-day. If they can handle your Cap-Ex then you pay their CM fee. Where I would recommend you get creative is by offering them a % of the upside for handling the majority of it for you.
Example: You buy the property at $1m and then sell it for $1.5m. Maybe you offer them a % on the increased value.