You can buy a SFR or duplex; if it’s in a good area property management should take almost no time at all.   

Unfortunately, this isn't terribly uncommon for self managers. 

I'm currently looking to connect with:Experienced real estate agents who specialize in investment properties, particularly those suitable for short-term rentals in Fayetteville.Investors who have successfully navigated the short-term rental market and can share insights on property selection, management, and maximizing returns.Finance experts or lenders who can guide me through funding options for investment properties, including conventional mortgages, FHA loans, or creative financing strategies like DSCR loans, hard money lending, private money lending, seller financing, and cash out refinancing .My background is in long term investing.

If you're willing and able, I do recommend the "house hacking" strategy which is just a fancy name for buying a rental property and living in one of the units, because you'll get very favorable financing - an owner-occupied fixed-rate 30-year mortgage.I'd also say, analyze that property as if you won't live there and it's a pure rental, and make sure the property is still cash flow positive if there's a tenant in your unit because then you'll know if it's actually a good investment.And when you analyze it, include payment of a property manager in your #s because if you don't, and doing so would make it go cash flow negative, then you've just bought yourself a job because you literally can't step away from managing it without losing money.

As an investor friendly real estate agent in Sacramento California, I have been encouraged by my amazing real estate broker, Noah Laker, to join in the conversations you all are having about real estate investing.I feel very lucky to have joined the team here at Hardin Realty & Property Management in Sacramento and all the excitement real estate has to offer.

@James E Fraley JrProperty managers absolutely hire assistants to manage overflow.

As you progress your bookkeeping business, you'll likely want to learn how to export statements from a variety of property management platforms, as investor books are housed in bank accounts, spreadsheets, and a variety of property management and accounting software!

would love some commentary from peer cities in the midwest especially property managers or STR managers.

That said, no matter the size of the property, the right team makes or breaks the deal—experienced management, solid underwriting, and a clear game plan determine how well the property performs long-term.

We manage them ourselves in VRBO and Airbnb.