You will earn a fee, learn, save then go on your own.

Truth is low grade properties are not profitable unless you self manage and get work done for below market rates.

For starters, are you sure that you would be able get a 5% rate as a first time home buyer? 

These are some ballpark numbers, but I was thinking around 5 percent interest rate.

I agree with @Michael Plaks that the pricing should be discussed prior to the start of the engagement.My firm does not like the hourly invoice method because I find it can potentially cause anxiety to clients who may not know the final price.if you were a nice client and paid an hourly fee, maybe there was a lot of time towards 'setting' you up as a client(inputting your properties, prior year carryforwards, depreciation schedule, etc) which won't be a cost for you going forward.Best of luck.

If you were me, would you be looking to buy now or waiting to see how the higher interest rates and end of the pandemic (hopefully) impact prices?

Also interest rate has gone slightly down but I am getting an 8.8 % interest rate with credit score of 734. 

Since the interest rates are high and rent's wont cover mortgage , i'm ok with paying money every month with hope equity build up and rates going down in future  .

I'd say yes, you pay for it in the rate though. 

This is the #1 issue that most of the operators I work with have issues with.A strong maintenance process means you have a CRM with all your people, a basic understanding of rates, contracts in place, and backups.