A good PM isn't cheap however I want to point out that they may be worthwhile for the simple fact (among many other things) that most reputable PM companies will employ all the hotel staff which takes away a lot of employer risk (employee lawsuits) off the owner's shoulders.  

Just under 80 doors we are small enough to give individual attention to all of our clients and have a full staff to properly service units. 

Has anyone kept a management company on staff for a month or two initially in a new market to give you time to get your own systems set up?

Customer requests are handled by my 24/7 customer service staff, and we have two staffed portfolios so spillover inquiries can even be handled by a different staff group. 

Based on what you've described, in my area a return like yours would probably start at maybe $400 (with a solo preparer) and go up from there with a preparer that has staff (the bigger the office, the higher the cost). 

Did you rent an office and hire full time staff?

Be sure to train your staff to tell all callers that you CANNOT schedule a showing for them, showings can only be scheduled online.Secondly, be sure to setup the showing confirmations with auto-cancellation for non-confirmations.

Talk to planning first. if you get good results.. go hire a good civil engineer that also has a land planner on staff and off you go.

The absolute best would be staff positions for a REIT or real estate operating company, but those entry level positions go to people graduating with an MBA in real estate or a specialized Masters in Real Estate degree. 

Typically this is so that apartment complexes don't have to have all of their office staff licensed.