My spouse wants to outsource to a property manager but I'm not sure that would solve the escalation.

I already plan to outsource one property when i aquire my 6th one.

Ergo, Podio.Now here I am today, right now, finding ways to automate and outsource etc...and I stumble across the all too well known and coveted PODIO.

1 Poor Dad , rich dadGood book, advocate to buy assest and stay away from liability2 richest man in BabylonGood book, advocate you for saving and learning 3 The 4-Hour Workweek:I didn't like it, it has nothing to do with real estate, this book advise to outsource everything and one is not involved in his business4 The Millionaire Real Estate InvestorIt is a good book, offer recommendation how to initiate real estate investment5 Long‑Distance Real Estate Investing:In general it is good book6 The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and FailureI didn't read it,but the way I understand from this you have to minimize social life and focus on work, so it is not something new

I don’t manage it, I outsourced it to a management company.

You can outsource some of it, for example to property managers, but you still need to know what you're doing or you can be taken advantage of and/or lose lots of money by making rookie mistakes.

- Do you self manage or outsource to a property mgt company?

All of the supporting/out-sourced  businesses (IT, legal,Marketing, HR agencies) started to struggle, since the contracts are not renewed and everybody is trying to save money.

I am just getting started in real estate (and by that I mean I am formulating my plan to by my first house/investment property), and I don't feel the need just yet to go outsource my bookkeeping.

I'm sorry but I'm just not willing to give up that much time to an employer so I can outsource running my business to someone else.