Run the numbers and walk a lot of properties prior to as well so you can get a feel of what kind of returns to expect in the different areas.

I don't recall what my prior yearly tax amount was, but for 2017 I paid a little under $500 and got an escrow overage distribution of $556.

I am new to the market but from most options especially those managed by a PM company are comparable to what my criteria is.

I do not view the better return via RE as comparable to the stock return because stocks are much more passive than my RE returns. 

@Robert BurnsThis should have been addressed prior to signing the lease.

Residential properties are valuated on comparable sales. period...again, another flaw with this calculator.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

I’ve estimated their income/ exp and I think they could afford $850/mo, but they are already jaded from the prior landlords that pushed off maintenance issues This would be my first investment, and I can’t decide what to do.

The extra cost is minor compared to the cost of one accident that you could personally be held liable for.

If that is not the mortgages you should pay that off prior to buying more real estate.