Are there any unique considerations or red flags you look for compared to the traditional rental process?

We don’t know any PMCs to recommend in the area mentioned, but since selecting the wrong PMC is usually more harmful than selecting a bad tenant, you might want to read our series about “How to Screen a PMC Better than a Tenant”:https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/3094/91877-how-to-screen-a-pmc-better-than-a-tenant-part-1-services-and-processesWe recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

However, the best way to get a feel for rental rates compared to values is to review/underwrite properties in the area - only after reviewing/underwriting many will you begin to see a pattern.

Happy to be a part of the movement.  

(+1 sub)speaking of uncut gems. it's interesting that was the movie you were going to watch, given your situation. can't really compare RE to gsmbling, but the guy had heart and wouldn't give up for nothing. great job on persevering thru this storm! 

And a condo can take longer to sell when you exit compared to a detached home.

That’s funny to me they compare a home that’s taking on rain from the outside inside, basements full of water all the windows broken, everything is wet and has to be re paired.

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

I do feel like Haverhill is much in the "path of progress" than comparable areas like Lowell and Lawrence, so it's a city on my radar for sure.

I'd start by refining your search criteria, researching the surrounding markets, and comparing them to what best fits your needs, etc.