Is a necessity in this business or are there better routes to take??   

Could use BP, Craigslist, go to local REI meetings etc. money will likely move be process quicker but not necessity.

W/D are becoming more of a necessity and your building will be more valuable and desired in the future just by adding these hookups.

In my opinion a rental property software is nice but not a necessity for managing a small portfolio.

Not a necessity, but a nice bonus.

Self management is just a necessity in the early stages.  

Yes, Insurance has its place and (IMHO) a necessity in our business.

Learning how, and doing evictions, is a basic necessity in managing tenants. 

I had an idea to outsource D4D, mainly out of necessity to free up more time to work on other things.I found an app - SimpleCrew.com - you can manage a street-team remotely and assign them areas to work (zip codes, neighborhoods, streets) and tasks to complete (take pictures of properties, put up bandit signs).

If it needs some work right away to get/keep it rented that is not necessity a problem unless you don't have the money.