I don't' see a need for a property manager (I use rent redi)  because you have 4 renters under the same roof. 

Work with an investor-friendly agent, explore up-and-coming neighborhoods, and consider value-add opportunities.

Clean, friendly, activity rich and lots of employment driving growth as far as I found. 

When you are investor friendly it means you understand the metrics of the buyers property search.I have seen so many agents get comfortable and simply add their new buyers to the "Hot Sheet" and they blast the buyers with properties that do not even fit the buyers cash flow needs or budget.

Glue-Down: Click-lock is DIY-friendly.$1.5-3 per sf.

When my friend started using them they were aggressively looking for rental portfolios in the market so he is sort of grandfathered in with them.Hope this helps with your decision.

Even if your friend only paid $500k for his $1M house he’s selling you.

I have a lot of clients and friends looking in the market.

If in a tenant-friendly state, the Payment Plan may make sense - but only if tenant signs document stating specific payment dates & amounts and can update their income info to prove they can afford the payments.

If your money man is not calling you back he is not going to do the deal.Do you think it is a solid enough deal to go to your friends and family?