First thing is NEVER feel concerned of hurting someone's feelings or ego, your reviewing to employ them, that makes you the boss doesn't it?

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.

But I’d be amiss if I did not suggest that instead you gain knowledge of the aforementioned 3 foundation by studying for a real estate agent/broker license, and then seek employment with REITs, real estate operating companies, real estate managers, or real estate brokers.  

I require proof of income, and verify it by contacting the human resources department of their employer in writing. 

I was employed with and carry insurance with a premier global property and casualty insurer. 

One of the best resources I’ve spotted for honest property management feedback-beyond scanning Google-is checking local Facebook investor groups and seeing who people recommend.Anyway, Ethan, since you’ve done a bunch of data crunching: have you or anyone else revisited these numbers more recently, and if so, how have shifting mortgage rates or local employment trends changed your approach?

Expensive markets are often desirable because many people want to live there, driving up demand and prices.Reno, NV, for instance, is a market that benefits from diversified employment sectors, including tech manufacturing, hospitality, and recreation.

Not doing anything to get better education or employment opportunities.

As an investor here myself, I can tell you we're seeing solid rental demand here thanks to the strong job market and major employers developing here. 

Real estate's "gross rent multiplier" is Wall Street's "sales to revenue",  "cap rate" is roughly "P/E ratio".When evaluating markets and investments I tend to start with GRM (or lazily the 1% rule), then attempt to return a cap rate based on assumptions about costs, then I work my way to multiple years of projections (assumptions about inflation, amortization, tax benefits, etc), and if I am partnering with one of my smart friends I have to pull up an IRR (internal rate of return).I also look at regional employment levels, median income to rent ratio in the zip code etc.