You can have companies meter them individually but being in DC I thought it would take too much personal involvement.

I think what is becoming more and more important is having a solid investment thesis and understanding of your target market and the value proposition you are offering to your customers through your properties. 

Don’t approach the sales agent or person.

It is all in the details of the deal and person driving the plan. 

I decided not to buy anymore and stick with my few solid properties that have a good amount of equity. 

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

Currently my hot tub maintenance person says I need to schedule her to come out to the property after every turnover to poor chemicals in and clean the tub.

First qualified person that give a deposit gets the place. 

Hi Nina.If I were not experienced in land lording and property manager, I would look personally to the extent you want to learn or experience property management versus hiring someone else that you trust to do the job.Yes, the cost for a property manager is important but not essential- the cost between property managers are not double or triple the cost of others (say like attorneys in some areas of law or cars). 

Once you house hack the first time you will get some pretty solid experience.