I have recently been considering this same train of thought. 

Biggest thing IMO is getting close to the train station and have a high quality units that may not look attractive on paper the first few years but will have the ability to raise rents consistently long term. 

Look for one that includes a training video to ensure you understand how to best use it.

I would ask what their commission percentage is, how much training they provide, if they require you to be in the office, and how much their agents make on average. 

My two bedroom is currently being rented out for 1900 and the training is coming in the spring.  

In this instance the judgments (20+/-) are already issued, now its a matter of collecting while the individual continues with their training programs and buying loans.

This train is going to crash and there is going to be blood in the streets.

I also have no formal training in bookkeeping and don't want to spend the cash to hire one.

A trained engineer could have some fun with this if something like this went to jury or if they were called in as a witness (kind of weird what engineers call fun for most people). 

And please keep updates here of the train wreck of it all.