I've purchased a couple of my investment properties directly from property management clients who decided to sell. 

5unit is probably manageable.  20 unit is work I would think. 

Quote from @Josh Otero: Hi BP community, I know you've got some crazy tenant stories and I want to hear it.I'll go first:1) I was managing a 5 story apartment building and a dog fell off the 4th floor balcony because of the owner not paying attention.

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

I’ve been looking into areas like Oakhurst, Mariposa, Yosemite West, and surrounding towns.If you own or manage a vacation rental in this region, I’d love to hear about your experience.

If you live in CA, NY, Boston etc - the financial difference is big enough.Investing in your home town is always best, you have the home-field advantage and you can buy, rehab and manage a lot more efficiently.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I think a better option is to get a job in property management.

I started my career with the renovations team renovating the houses we buy, and with the property management company working with our residents and our maintenance teams.