To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

So I am posting hoping for any further advice or recommendations that could help me avoid pitfalls or avoid wasting time. 

Personalizing your message to the individual recipient is the best way to avoid this.

Simple answer - avoid the mega banks.

@Dani Murai, while I can't give you a name of anyone in your area (I am not from there), when you are interviewing contractors, here are a couple things I have seen:I avoid any contractor that has a draw schedule based on percentages, i.e. 1/3 up front, 1/3 at halfway completed and 1/3 at completion.  

I am interested in investing the proceeds from my last flip into section 8 rentals in and around Detroit, Albion, Battle Creek and Jackson micigan.

@Clare Pitcher we do 12+ month leases to avoid vacancies Nov-Feb.If we take over an occupied property, evict or have tenancy-abandon a property, we first let the owner know finding a tenant will take longer than "normal".This opens up owners to understanding they may need to:1) Offer 3D tour and floor plans to stand out2) Price more aggressively or be prepared for aggressive price reductions3) Offer MoveIn Specials:- NOTE: we do NOT recommend offering a month of free rent that can be used at MoveIn.

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

I am just unsure if we can avoid capital gains taxes if we do the seller financing route. 

If you want to avoid partnerships, bring them as lending partners vs equity partners.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.