Unless you have time, desire and knowledge, hiring a property manager sounds like the right option.

It will all depend on what your goals are.Ask them questions that will help you determine whether they have the value/knowledge that you'll need to get closer to your goals.

Being local affords many conveniences based on access and your knowledge of the area.

The experience/knowledge of being an agent will help you so much.  

Possibly partner with a group but would only do money lending or group in exchange for gaining knowledge of how to independently do things.

You have a skillset that could be extremely useful for quick fixes and landlord issues and from there you can bridge relationships and partnerships to enhance your knowledge of real estate investing and couple your skills.

I am excited about gaining more knowledge and deals! 

I have personally known Dmitriy for over 15 years, and my company Marshall Reddick has referred him hundreds of clients since then that have all raved about his service, knowledge, and professionalism.

The company lists single family homes in certain targeted markets and, through their “knowledgeable investment counselors,” put sellers (the owners of the various properties) and buyers (who they educate, prepare and counsel) together and in the process Norada Real Estate Investment receives a marketing fee.

If these continual expenses are not made  you end up with slum properties renting for a minimum weekly rate to transients.I don’t know your properties so I can’t form a specific opinion; however, based on the information you’ve shared I trust your opinion and knowledge.