Start interviewing as many property managers as possible and see who is the best fit for your ideal manager.

I spent a lot of time thinking about this and who the ideal tenant would be and ultimately decided long-term would be best.

This should, ideally, get more cash flow, and allow you to hire a PM without breaking the bank.

It’s less than ideal now but at least we are getting full rent each month. thanks for asking!  

The bulk of long-term returns (often, ideally) come from capital appreciation - not necessarily the rent roll.

This would be ideal on a duplex, triplex or quad so you can live in one of the units while the others are rented. 

I know this is not ideal but I am sure there is a way to manage it especially If I can house hack a multi family building.I am also open to any meetups in the STL area since that is my local market.

The rate might not be ideal, but securing the property now is crucial—you can always refinance later for better terms.

However, HOA fees can be high & eat into the profits, and rental restrictions aren't ideal.

When proposing a deal to potential investors, how many investors is ideal to say fund a $500,000 duplex intended for buy and hold?