If you don’t mind, I’d be interested in your perspective on the following aspects:1- did you choose formal PM firms, or more of a realtor who does it on the side?

When you do so, you can take the tax-sheltered savings you have accumulated in your employer 401(k) and move that to a retirement plan of your own choosing. 

Some lender might choose to be more conservative then what agency will allow.

The point is to get clear on what your goals are and that should help you choose the asset class and strategy that will suit you best. 

Reputable turn key companies stand by their product and will offer some kind of warranty.

@Gaston ChavarinThere is plenty to choose from in Toledo.

In the end, choosing a lender that is a little more realistic is the point I was getting at. 

That said, Advanta does have a good reputation and track record - just an angle to look into that someone new to the concept would not even think to consider.As an IRA provider, they would be OK for relatively static investments that do not involve a lot of transactions. 

Are there other reasons to choose one method over the other? 

After collecting so many rental doors in single family houses, we could choose to kick it up another notch and buy multi family.