I've been self-managing for 2 years and have automated many of my messages/processes but just hired an assistant to essentially be on call if guests need anything so that I don't need to stay connected to my phone this vacation season.

Once you do decide to procure your first rental, definitely lean on the BiggerPockets community as a resource; I'll also say that it could be worth considering a shot at a software solution built for DIY landlords (1 - 15 units) to bring some automation to the rental management process (just to make things much much easier for you)!

It could be worth considering a shot at an actual software solution built for DIY landlords (1 - 15 units); one that helps you to automate your own rental process (ie. compared to other tools, one that helps you to actually get it listed on 10+ major listing sites, allows you to schedule showings, provides you with super thorough tenant screening options, online digital leases which can be customized and help you by breaking out those fees, automated maintenance tracking, and fast rent collection which also offers your tenants the ability to report their positive on-time payments to the major credit bureaus; just another positive reinforcement/added incentive to get them to make those payments on time).

In my market, a broker by the name of Jason Sapphire does a not of these and other attorneys also practice this automation process. 

Providing them some resources and automated services like COZY and then stay "hands off".

I use the Wink 2 hub for Z Wave home automation and it is great as well.

I'll also say that it could be worth considering a shot at a software solution built for DIY landlords (1 - 15 units) to bring some automation to the rental management process (just to make things much much easier for you)!

It is the most reasonable tool on the market for finding out who owns a particular property or parcel of land and I would like to know they were able to automate the process? 

- can the task be automated?

It has helped automate the business a little more and as more customers get on board it will Continue to do so.