The NAR settlement was ridiculous and has only forced agents to do more paperwork and disclosures, but the vast majority of us are still working the same way.The law requires the agent to sign an agreement with you.

Like law office, day spa, or some other small company space?

Landlord friendly laws keep you safe(ish) from legal disputes with tenants and there are pockets in both markets that are appreciating at solid or better rates.

By the most important thing (if that's what you're doing) is to have a really good operator who knows the laws, has experience and is above board so they won't leave you high and dry. 

Hoping that my brother in law will be able to build and manage a contracting team. 

City's with radical liberals in power like to throw unenforceable laws on the books.

Obviously, they have no intention of following the law & I wouldn't count on them to adhere to your lease provisions, either.Don't get me wrong - I love dogs & my pit (who went through the big doggie door in the sky many years ago) was the best dog, ever!

You're searching in the right area, here in the southern/middle part the laws are much friendly as well as the prices.

Top 3 reasons owners hire PMCs:1) No time to manage correctly2) No time to learn how to manage correcly: laws, documents, processes, etc.3) They're too nice and need someone to "save them from themselves"A good PMC can usually earn their fees by better managing the property/tenant than the owner, thereby:1) Increasing owners net profit2) Decreasing owner's time commitment, stress, headaches, etc.No matter what though, you should always plan to commit a couple of hours a month to manage your PMC.

@James Wise MICHIGAN UPDATE: new law went into effect January 2, that landlords can no longer discriminate on tenant income source.