I am planning to self manage as well and since there aren't many managers in my area I will likely employ a similar strategy once I decide to outsource the management.

Since it’s a new build, I was able to negotiate some great perks, like a 5.875% interest rate, no closing costs, a fridge, blinds, and even a backyard firepit.Pros:Good school districtLow interest rateMinimal CapEx and repairs (because it’s a new build)Low insuranceHigh-quality tenants (due to the school district and being a new build)Cons:Lots of new builds in the area, which could drive down prices and increase vacanciesThe Numbers:Price: $290KInterest Rate: 5.875%Down Payment: 25%Monthly Mortgage + Insurance + Taxes + HOA: $1,480 (I got really low insurance since it’s a new build and Alabama’s property taxes are low)Property Management: 10%Rent: $1,800 (this is under market because I wanted to rent it quickly—most units in the area were sitting vacant for 100+ days.

I have grown insanely skeptical of BP over the last 5 years, yet somehow I am trying the lead generation for both property management and now as a featured agent.

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Well, no one else has mentioned it, so I will......what about the current LA fires and the ongoing mis-managment of the forest and brush?

Plus, if you self manage you could wipe much of those taxes out with depreciation. 

we are still assessing the rentals we manage but overall are just finding a few minor issues so far. 

This is the foundation of why LaPlante Real Estate is based in portfolio management and property management... my personal portfolio started in 2009 and I find the majority tends to be Section 8. 

Investing in AZ, NV, ID, where you have family or friends that is a day away and you can start to build a network and team to help manage a property.  

REI investing for almost 20 years, owning a wealth management company for 22 years, suffice it to say there has been a lot go data/spreadsheeting/tax analysis/meeting with my team go into this overall decision to sell the entire portfolio at once.  

Unfortunately, not many around like that...The appraisal is about $150-$200 higher than standard cost because they likely went through an appraisal management company ("AMC") to get the appraisal ordered/assigned.