Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

If I could deploy the same amount of up front cost to purchase an up and running portfolio.My calculations tell me that I can be cash flowing much more if I spend the money on a portfolio or complex.

Per this NY Times article, the average American knows around 600 people.https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/science/the-average-american-knows-how-many-people.html#:~:text=The%20average%20American%20knows%20about,do%20you%20know%20named%20Kevin%3FPer the US Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.7 time in their life, which based upon an approximate lifespan of 84 years, works out to be about every 7 years.https://www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html#:~:text=Using%202007%20ACS%20data%2C%20it,one%20move%20per%20single%20yearSo, if the average American knows 600 people and they each move about every 7 years, that means that the average American knows around 85 people that move in any given year.How many of those moves do you want to be involved in?

This is from the BP rental calculator and is exactly what I'm wanting to see, just with extra payments each month. 

Based on my calculations, even with a low down payment, I can achieve positive cash flow (with aggressive enough house hacking).

Consider cleaning, lawn care, snow removal and supplies as well as utilities  in your calculations.  

This goes the same for calculating rents in the area, I what to know the real data.. i.e. from the MLS, or insurance from the broker/insurance agent to make the right decision.

Have you done any math to try to calculate the expected maintenance/cap ex? 

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

View report*This link comes directly from our calculators, based on information input by the member who posted.