The efficiency allows me to have more time back in my day!

You or your contractor will be required to personally meet/call/otherwise communicate with the inspectors at be for whatever building code subdivision you are working with, to see why your applications are being rejected, what it is that they are actually looking for (and then if that is actually legally permissible to be required or not!)

I am trying to buy the most cost efficient of the two in order to save a little more money in the long run. 

Efficiencies and control when investing locally2. 

Effective communication with tenants is essential for any property owner/manager.

Communication and data management. 

If it was treated like a partnership with fair ownership percentages, clear communication, clear expectations and everything was in writing, it wouldn't be any crummier than a normal partnership :)However, when a couple buys real property and they are just in lovey-dovie land, they don't do any of these things.  

@Alexis Scott I use Buildium today for my 11 units and find that it adds a lot of efficiency.

What I recommend is deciding your level of involvement and communication expectation with the PM - and get that into your contract with them. 

I'm looking to buy a home to airbnb an efficiency/in-law suite but was advised that Dade county is too restrictive and difficult vs Broward county.