Just have to dig in and find the one that works!

Not sure how many PMCs you've had bad experiences with, but we'll take exception to:"Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health)".BP seems to have more threads about screening mistakes by DIY landlords as opposed to PMCs.Now, if you'd have mentioned Maintenance, you'd get no argument from me:) Even the PMC industry acknowledges maintenance as one of the biggest challenges.Rereading my post, I kinda see how I sounded negative toward PMs.  

Start by analyzing cash flow and market demand for each property to decide which one to rent out.

No One?

I have one single family rental now.

Is one better over the other or do you just get the data from the source directly (gov pages)?

Some investors will wait until they have several properties before forming an LLC but it's often beneficial to set one up early especially with your first property.

I currently own one home in NY as LTR, one STR in SWFL but am looking to expand my portfolio.

Most suburban cities have VERY limited lots and most of those are zoned R-1, meaning only a single-unit house can be built.In the City of Detroit, it's cheaper to buy one and rehab than build!

Some private lenders like the one I work with doesn't require appraisals on fix and flip/new construction loans and also doesn't require tax returns/W2s.