For that and time saved setting that up ourselves, PCS was worth the cost for us. 

And sorry that you are dealing with a vacant property for such a long time.

Evicting them, even after purchase, could be a lengthy and costly legal process.

I am looking for a more efficient way to keep track of expenses, log receipts (including the actual graphic of the receipt) and seamlessly export expense info for tax time.

I am starting out part time and looking to park my license with a brokerage.

Quote from @Allen Zhu: Is hard money lender worth it for first time investors?

I’m sorry that you’ve had a hard time finding a place to rent.

I was hoping I could get some more general information on how this whole process goes and to inform myself on the pros and cons given im a newbie and don’t know much.

By the time I sold it, I was making $500/month more than the mortgage.  

Not sure if this is an option in your area, but we have a company called CREW in Salt lake and they are $50 a month and take the cans out and bring them in the day after. it is hard to rely on the cleaners at times. unless the cleaner is paid to do the trash every time.