We are just starting out in real estate and are looking to mainly set up passive income, but not exclusively.  

I like the cloud based option better and we use Mac exclusively so rent manager seems out unless it is absolutely the "way to go".  

Our insurance went to $1600 p.a. but we added it back into the rent but we had to accept exclusions for painting & any other flammable storage.

If I wound up not having the time or result I wanted (I am not in the area right now), I would have listed it exclusively with a friend of mine with a 25 year history.!! 

My recommendations are to: 1) Hire a professional PM that deals exclusively well with lower end rentals (I can recommend a couple).

If the agent pushes the issue, complain to their office and the local board.There's a lot behind the buyer/broker exclusive contract.

Is it difficult to get offers through with an FHA loan when I'm competing against people that almost exclusively have 20% down loans? 

I target pet owners almost exclusively.

I've been using Cozy.co for a couple years exclusively for collecting rent.

@Ted DavisYour wife may be entitled to the home office deduction if she uses the area regularly and exclusively for her business.Items that go into the deduction are rent(depreciation, mortgage interest, home insurance, real estate taxes if you own), utilities, etc to calculate the home office deduction.It can be a big deduction so many sure your accountant factors that in.