Networking with local real estate groups or online forums could help you find recommendations for PM companies that have a proven track record in Birmingham 

: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.

When we purchased our laundromat, it had a strong brand and positive reviews online.

Philly, like a lot of major US cities, is very block by block.

I recommend doing your research and looking at properties online. 

With the above said we have a 75 acre country subdivision coming online this spring.  100% cash.  

Behind referral on on-line sources like Next door, Google review, FB marketplace, etc.  

The "online leads" trend becomes a vast pool of scams, each one discovering a new and "better" way to find motivated sellers via SEO/Paid adds/Social Media etc, and automatically aims to make a profit from selling those so-called leads.

Pittsburgh is home to many major universities including the rapidly growing Carnegie Mellon University which is “at least partially responsible for Pittsburgh’s growth, from revitalized neighborhoods to a vibrant and booming restaurant scene.”

I don’t think it matters one way or the other just make sure they have some sort of online portal.