This is not a once size fits all question IMO.

Now I provide a modestly sized (42-48") TV in every bedroom, and a big one in the living room.

I'm looking locally to start out (mid size city in North Carolina) - is the answer a different market?

It does not matter the size of the city. 

Even with house hacking with a lower down payment (which I am not sure would work if I get a studio size condo), I would still need to pay more out of pocket than what I would pay renting (I can get rent by splitting a studio with a friend for about $1200/month).

So, our PM company charges a sliding scale of between 5-20% based on the size of the repair (more expensive means they charge less as a percentage.)

A roof, HVAC, and foundation on a $80k house cost the same as a roof on a 250k house (assuming a similar size but better location) with a similar PITI to rent spread.

As long as all the rooms are decent size with closets it could work and you could get closer to what you want in rent. 

The size of your rental operation is one of the factors in this determination. 

I was barely hitting them with the 12 gauge, and he was taking them out of the air with his Glock 17...lol I could do that if the clays were the size of a a garbage can lid :)  We have 4 different shot guns for clays just to get variety  berreta silver pigeon 20 and one 12.. my old remington 870 wingmaster I used to use for geese and my grandfathers browning auto light 12 which is 75 years old but shoots very well..