You can avoid costly mistakes. 

Starting with house hacking is a smart move, especially in a higher-cost area.

I cook my own food, can I bill myself for that and write off all my food costs? 

My questions is about opportunity cost.

I am actually under contract on a property in Columbus, OH and weighing the pros and cons of self-managing vs. property PM because I cannot seem to find a PM that seems reliable and worth the costs.

Many out-of-state investors make big mistakes that cost them far more than a property manager would charge.

If I could deploy the same amount of up front cost to purchase an up and running portfolio.My calculations tell me that I can be cash flowing much more if I spend the money on a portfolio or complex.

There is always SOME manual work, but you can cut out a lot of the back and forth-- definitley.

Also you should inquire with insurance agents about the cost to insure.

I feel like there's still people trying to make BRRRR deals work close to the city and the truth is it's nearly impossible given prices, rates, and the cost of construction.