I found some good markets (growing. population, economic anchor, good school district, etc).

Rent Roll, Tenant Ledger, Even Bank Statement) it would show that there is a growing balance (the late fees) or the deposit being made after the due date which should have raised a flag.Unless no reports were sent (unacceptable) or there were not reviewed (also unacceptable), warning signs were visable after 2 or 3 months.Oren

So much so that neighborhoods adjacent to our "hot areas" have become very popular areas to invest, as well, so new neighborhoods continue to draw attention.

They finally send someone back out to look at the property again, and this time they tell me the basement had been flooded and there is mold growing up the walls.I'm not real pleased with how the PM treated things, but now I need to deal with insurance.

Now it is time to get serious and make this grow. 

What do you have them do for you that allows your business to grow?

Bakersfield is somewhere that is growing with new jobs, new development, and new infrastructure.  

For example, my rentals are in Florida and when it rains, the grass grows like crazy.  

I think that’s the ethical and smart way to grow your revenue.

You will both learn and experience so much from caring about your own property and as you grow you can always reconsider hiring a PM if you originally budgeted for it anyway.