On a more enterprise scale, I employ RevMax software as well as a fractional revenue manager who looks at the prices daily on a market level and a comp set level. 

I say that because every decent legit place I know of in market, yes offers the option of doing just tenant placement, for self-managing. 

Not only do some landlords allow their personal and political ideology to be in the mix, but many do not understand how to manage this population.

If you don't have the relationships, hire someone who does.This is why Brian Burke can go “large corporate” while I have to stay “small private”; he has the ability to MANAGE PEOPLE that I do not.  

The annual 2% management fee comes out before you get your principal back.  

They agreed to pay in accordance to the lease and failure to manage to the lease is the #1 reason why landlords fail (Source: American Apartment Owners Assn).Cowboy up and stop having the tenant control your ROI.Best.

Even better if you can work for a property manager or real estate compnay. 

@Colin Ford recommend getting experience with your RI duplex before going OOS.You should DIY manage the unit next door, so you LEARN about property management, the goog, the bad and the ugly.Then you'll be so much better prepared to invest OOS!

Yes, I'm a Property Manager in the greater Phoenix area.We are a mid-size property manager, large enough to have great tools and support but small enough to provide personal service.

In real estate, I don't change locks, screen tenants, evict tenants, inspect properties, or finance my deals - I have property management, property inspectors, and mortgage lenders that do this for me (outsourcing).