I, too, am at a crossroads, deciding whether to self-manage my first property or enlist the services of a property management firm.

While I admire your desire to help people, at some point, that is going to bite you in the ***.You should have firm set criteria, and stick to it.

After 40 + years in real estate, I have seen the guru industry grow from a few guys teaching others about their own success (by way of $99 seminars, $249 for “books and tapes” ) to $40,000 full mentoring programs with enrollees being mentored by “operations” personnel (who may no experience whatsoever) with marketing programs put together by one of 5 firms located in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.  

I’m a firm believer folllowing someone’s foot steps that has figured it out so to speak is the fastest way to success.

I'd want to hire a design-build firm at the very least, but beyond that, would it make sense to bring in a developer who's done this before?

With that being said I'm hoping to find a firm with a great BIC/ Mentor to guide me in the right direction.

We as a firm have investors working with us who have rental properties all over the US big and small.Finding a real estate-focused tax professional and one who can help with advisory and grow with you would be my suggestion to focus your efforts on finding.

Ugh.Prop management in my area is 8 -10% Plus half of the first months rent.I'd get some firm numbers from locals on prop management and if there is a wait list for him to be able to rent it. 

Leader of Real Estate Investment Firm Admits Role in $658 Million Ponzi Scheme and Multimillion-Dollar Tax Evasion ConspiracyAnyone heard of these guys?

My Idea of a Good TimeI'm speaking with a Japanese Immigration Law Firm next week to gather some more details about the VISA process.