If a realtor needs extra income we can arrange for the agent to place the tenant and collect the placement fee.  

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it.We have a 12 page management contract that we've added our real experiences to over the years, with the intent of protecting both us AND the landlord.

So I don't know if it makes much sense to buy a rental property for about 200k-250k, just to make a few extra thousand a year (based on a 5% return).

The cost and the insurance is not worth the extra rent.Gino

Be extra diligent on running your comps and don't rely on anyone else to tell you what it will rent for.

Perhaps instead of buying 4 properties you should only buy 3 with the theoretical $100,000 and keep the extra money in reserve for emergencies, etc. 

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

She wouldn't want them getting lifted or damaged.Probably need to move out all her food and various other things like extra cleaning supplies etc.

How much extra do you have to work to cover the difference in higher costs?

You lost $1,000 give or take for doing a 1031, but you don’t owe extra taxes.