I look forward to learning from you all as I strive to master this element of real estate.  

These elements show the overall economic health of an area, which directly impacts real estate demand.

I currently self manage my properties using Buildium and I love it especially the resident portal and ability to accept ACH rent payments.

A Class properties - you usually don't need a property manager, you just need a leasing agent and contacts to call if something needs fixed/as well as the ability to be cashflow negative for 2-5 years.

Absent that, the big differences will be which forms you report the income, your ability to deduct business expenses against the income, and applicability of self-employment taxes. 

Do you have the ability to close on the contract yourself under the terms of that contract? 

We purchased a property, signed contract for a 45-day SoW (cosmetic rehab, add AC) and after about 30 days it's been radio silence.We have been pretty patient and now at 60-days past closing we've engaged another local PM who is going to be re-keying, assessing rehab status and taking over from here.I think similar to OP there's nothing particularly nefarious or shady going on here, but the follow-through and ability to land a deal is significantly lacking with this team.

Elements like window frames, door frames, railings, door handles, post boxes, a flowerpot, and address posts can greatly enhance the overall look.As Kristin mentioned, it looks like a nice flip.

Great show but can add the wrong elements to a situation too-Lol.

The answer is a combination of knowing the numbers, your projections of those numbers in the future, and your confidence in your ability to do the analysis.