I'm fairly handy, but just to balance things with my 9-5 job, focusing on something that just needs superficial updates or something nearly turn-key is probably best. 

.: I haven't passed this past legal review so for what its worth: Part of my standard requirements for everyone include income is at least 3X rent, minimum credit score, say 640, Clean record and no evictions as well as deposit is paid in full at signing of lease and 1st month rent is paid in full prior to handing over the keys.

While the $600 per month insurance bill is hefty, I remind myself that being closer to the ocean would have meant even higher costs.One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of timing.

The key is that the gap funder is usually someone you know and have a relationship with.

Cash for keys!

Finding an investor-friendly agent is key and they should be able to help you with 1-4, I'd say talking about those questions you asked would be the perfect thing to ask any potential agents you interview! 

So, in actuality the divide between “good” PMs and “bad” ones is probably no different than any other service provider, be it real estate broker, mortgage originator, etc.The key word I has in my sentence was MAY; as in MAY be hazardous to your financial health.  

Things they did bad which I wish I had asked more information about:Never involved in the screening of tenantsThey recommended keys for cash by waiving the rent amount buy only collecting fees which they would get not meThe cost to evict is 750-950 yet other companies told me they will include eviction in the priceThe tenant didnt pay in full last month and I was the one calling out to them and asking questions then a few days later I get an email saying something happened with the tenant and they are investigating.You get passed from person to person every week or so.No one told me when the construction was complete and so the house was ready for a week and the post to zillow and other sites was not done.It took them another week to take pictures and then another week to upload it.I was paying 200 dollar a month electric bills while the house was vacant because they left the AC running in the empty property.

Transparency is key—being honest will help you avoid unnecessary stress and ensure peace of mind.

Quote from @Tannia Castro: I would say the key would be to narrow in on an area (this could be a city if you are not from that area and investing remotely), or this could be a part of the city (some local streets) if it is in your backyard.