I publish many posts in my Bigger Pockets Blog and over a year ago I tried including my links to them but was warned by the staff that I was prohibited from "advertising/promoting" my articles here.

She was their senior RE staff writer so I couldn't figure out how she didn't know that we don't sell liens at trustee or sheriff's sale here.  

Large companies have great systems (dedicated lease up staff with collared shirts and slacks) and economies of scale but also they need to pay their upper management so I don't see all the savings coming back to you the owner.

What this means is that the investor is offering an amount that he feels he can assign his contract for more, while having the right to occupy the property, improve it, market it by MLS, World Wide Web, mailings, signs on the property or newspaper ads or by public auction.Once a contract is ratified by all parties, the buyer is considered to have an equity position in the property.Here are some clauses that should be in the offer; "It is understood that the buyer is making this offer with the intent to make a profit by short term assignment, the buyer will have the right to improve the property and to advertise it for sale." 

My mom's older friends own a trailer business of about 55 trailers.They have a handyman on staff that has also completed work on their house and does great work.

When you say 3%-4%, is that in addition to the onsite staff and leasing?

I just feel like buying something bigger is the way to go so you have enough revenue to hire full time staff.

We have an ivy league (Colby) a decent business college (Thomas College), so there's alot of support staff, etc.

They've survived through the 80's bubble, the recent subprime crisis, and the demand for oil worldwide is projected to grow despite any alternative fuel efforts here in the US.

It all depends on the scale and size of what you are investing in.I would encourage you to meet up with other landlords in your area.Have lunch or dinner and talk about the pro's and con's of the business.From there you will validate a more clear path for yourself of what you want.Smaller apartments buildings such as 2 to 10 units are self-manageable and I see many investors who can do this and be okay.When you start getting up into the mid size properties say 20 to 100 units you have to be doing them full time.Especially older buildings where issues will come up more frequently.The larger size buildings will many times have a live in property manager with a staff to handle maintenance and other issues that come up.A base plus bonus is needed to keep the property manager and others motivated and to decrease turnover.Each time you have to train a new person it costs you much more.Just like getting new customers versus cultivating existing relationships.Will you be paying cash or using regular bank financing??