I have talked to tons of investors recently and everyone says the Zillows interface is the worst, but it is just a side comment and we keep going on to the next conversation. 

The new live local act is a game changer for vertical development in our city.

@Ayyoub Aj go ahead and DIY manage.You'll either live with the phone calls and headaches or you'll want to hire a PMC eventually.Once you hire a PMC, you WILL have to "manage the manager". - It's part of owning rental real estate.

I do not live within the city limits.

- Dividing by 3 units (you have to live in one for first 12 months) leads to $1867/unit/monthly rent.- Dividing by 4 units leads to $1400/unit/monthly rent.What are you factoring in your ROI & cashflow calculations for maintenance?

I'm a new member here and currently live in Houston, TX. 

So you can buy a four flat, live in one unit and rent the other three, but you have to live in one unit on the site. 

And you're having them  wash sheets and towels and make up beds, which normal cleaners don't do for someone living in their house full time. 

We do 90% of the work up front so there are no issues once a contract is executed.Is it difficult to get a lease in place if I still live in the home I plan to rent out?

Once converted to a rental, repairs and improvements may qualify as deductible expenses, but pre-conversion repairs typically do not.