Currently, I self manage using software program that centralizes the majority of information and messaging and pushes to all the platforms that we list the properties on. 

Many online courses are self-paced, so working on it in your spare time is absolutely doable.If a career shift isn’t your goal, you can still learn the "game" through various other means.

With $150k here you’re just a little tight on budget but can make it happen if you self-manage and do your own furnishing and design.  

.- They can rent by the room and self-manage to produce day 1 cash flow.- Many of these HCOL areas also have strict limitations on AirBnB or short-term rentals... that do not apply to owner-occupants - thus allowing for extreme cashflow potential for house-hackers.

My son (age 24) however, is an independant contractor / self employed and is trying to buy a house. 

Seriously though, if you haven't already get your self a solid real estate-focused tax professional in your corner.

I found that a lot of self managing investors appreciate it a ton if they don’t have to do those things.

I never bothered to try talking to a lender because my credit score isn’t great and I’m self-employed.

Let them know that you're unhappy with them and see if the two of you can right the ship together and if not then self-manage or find a new PM.

Judging by Best Properties rant (above) I would say that some self-examination may be in order.