Furthermore, these start ups are usually VC funded, and the demands of their investors is that they scale up quickly, which runs counter to the ability to master even one local market well, as I detailed above. 

Daniel,As long as you invest in an area that sees a steady growth or the ability to raise rents every year.

They generally have large portfolios allowing for in house maintenance and management staff along with a point person who is communicating with the local housing authority on a regular basis and has the ability to streamline operations. 

What makes Baselane stand out is its ability to help you qualify for refinancing or new loans.

A higher down payment also demonstrates the buyer’s commitment.Flexibility: You can adjust the down payment based on the buyer's credit history, employment stability, and ability to pay.2.

I currently self manage my properties using Buildium and I love it especially the resident portal and ability to accept ACH rent payments.

We know nothing of your skill set, resources, or abilities.  

Absent that, the big differences will be which forms you report the income, your ability to deduct business expenses against the income, and applicability of self-employment taxes. 

A Class properties - you usually don't need a property manager, you just need a leasing agent and contacts to call if something needs fixed/as well as the ability to be cashflow negative for 2-5 years.

The answer is a combination of knowing the numbers, your projections of those numbers in the future, and your confidence in your ability to do the analysis.