That was actually a big sticking point -- the interviewer asked the numbers, I gave an accurate response, and he basically said, "That's not exciting enough -- here's what you need to say..."

There is an amazing amount of articles and forum threads on the subject of property management (interviewing, selecting, transitioning, self managing, etc.) with a lot of controversy or pro and cons on the subject of PM vs Self Manage (like this recent article why-you-dont-want-to-be-a-landlord). 

Since then, I've had no less than ten or twelve new client interviews every year where somebody brings up this article. 

The cost of good help is always worth it, just go onto facebook, ask your friends who they recommend for a good real estate agent, pick 5 and interview them.

But I have seen far more conflict working with contractors we have never worked with before on a design-bid-build process than I ever have on a negotiated-referral basis.My recommendation is to interview the architect and see if that is someone you are interested in working with and opt to sign their agreement separately if you are uncomfortable with them being included in the contractors agreement.

I offered 5K over asking and after interviewing my mortage broker and RE agent I got the property.

Regardless of how you find them, try to interview at least three managers1.

(seller losing coop stock...management being unresponsive...coop board interview...etc..). 4.

The few I have interviewed locally do not seem to have the same goals as I do when it comes to real estate.

I've reached out to few firms and didn't get the best vibe of their real estate knowledge from a quick phone interview.