I've been reading through the Self-Managing Landlord book from BP and the chapter I've found the most useful is "Creating Your Tech Stack."

Keep in mind with the FHA loan on 3-4 units, there is a self sufficiency test as part of the qualifying portion.

Here were the results: I have now moved out of the home and I am cash flowing roughly $1k after all things considered (I self-manage).I regret a few things, but feel unbelievably lucky and grateful with how it went (especially with the timing of the purchase and refinancing). 

If you’re going for cash flow, are you going to self manage?

My focus is on properties that are slightly positive in cash flow, while also offering capital appreciation potential, and ideally being self-sustaining in the long run.During a recent visit to LA, I didn’t quite feel confident about the current state of things there.

Or are you self employed and were able to set it up for yourself? 

Only nonrecourse loans will not affect your personal DTI - if you personally guarantee the debt, you're going to take the DTI hit for it unless you can qualify for it to be excluded.Find a local lender who is skilled in working with self-employed and investor clients and talk through your situation with them. 

I have a condo in Lakewood, CO (26th and Kipling) and have been self-managing for the past 2 years and no longer have the time/energy/patience for self-managing. 

Occasionally there are some that don't ask 1000 questions and are pretty self sufficient, just trying to maximize their time and network, so those may get some consideration. 

A lot of forum members are experts in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, buy and hold investing, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.If you haven’t been to it already, the Bigger Pockets blog features links to their fantastic podcast and many great articles: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.