All that said...if you're not confident you can get at least 1.5x your LT rents as an MTR, I think I might go with long term but skip the management company and DIY. 

Look to see if HVAC filters are present and clean or are they missing or filthy.

I have a note on my lease that "all exterior walkways and stairs must be clean of snow and debre, and free of all harzards" but do not define the area more than "all exterior" and it is a 4 family. 

This is not DIY stuff, it requires professional help. 

Or if it's a clean enough BRRR, you can just start with a DSCR style loan as well.

There were struggles cleaning up books, bumping up rents, chasing down tenants, building processes, etc.

I prefer them over tile also because grout has to be maintained and cleaned and the thickness of tile over backer makes for a thicker installation.

As for when to call in a contractor, it really depends on the scope of work and your comfort level with DIY projects.

When I screw up, I apologize and make it right.People are looking for a safe, functional, clean home.

Adding an egress window in the basement - making it a LEGAL bedroom - Cleaning it up and removing the coy pond that did nothing but breed mosquitoes - painting the siding to give it a fresh new look What was the outcome?