If your property management company is good and has built an internal maintenance team which has set rates and had strong relationship relationships with licensed contractor which should keep costs in control, you should never need to shop contractors on your own I wouldn't think.So in short, our policy is give us your preferred contractors upfront if you have them, but then we work all tickets to resolution including dispatch, and payment of invoices.This is of course for operational expenses.  

I would strongly consider building equity to make a stronger down payment and further decrease your monthly cost. 

I'am now on my 4th year with Jerome but no longer am in the 12 month course. instead last year i joined another private group Jerome offers to students that have been apart of the program for a minimum of one year which is running me $30,000 a year which includes another course that dives in deep mostly with Muti-family apartment complexes, Manufacturing warehouses, Commercial Property and even High Rise skylines for people looking to scale their real estate portfolio to a massive level and attain nine figures.I Hope this helps if you have any specific questions or are thinking about joining the program I don't mind referring you to someone! 

Hello I'm Whitney Steadman a plumbing contractor who looking to do some investing and  fix&flips Have a strong construction side eager to learn more of the investing side and property acquisition

Focus on areas with strong rental demand, like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, or near universities like Butler and IUPUI.Maintenance Costs: Indiana weather can be tough on properties, so budget for seasonal maintenance like snow removal and HVAC servicing.Additional AdviceKeep an Emergency Fund: Unexpected repairs or vacancies can arise, so having 3-6 months of expenses saved will help you weather any surprises.Build a Reliable Team: I have lists of contractors, handymen, cleaners and property managers if you'd like me to send.Good luck with your property and future expansion!

Strong work!

I have strongly considered managing on my own in the past. 

Staying local and house hacking—especially now, before kids—gives you so much flexibility to set yourselves up for long-term success.Your financial foundation is super strong, and house hacking a quad sounds like an amazing first step for you two.

I'm not sure why not - one of the great parts about real estate investing is that you can build a team around you for aspects you aren't as strong at or simply want to delegate to someone/expert and do the others yourself - look up "Core 4" for example - where you can have an agent, lender, manager, contractor all at once for your investments and can theoretically just let them do all the interactive work

I would recommend hiring a lawyer for a non-monetary default eviction.