I'm biased and can provide reasons and data to show that using an agent will protect you, get you more money, less stress and so on.The reality is you can do it yourself, but tenants generally don't cooperate with showings and that causes lots of problems for buyer to access the unit to show, inspections, appraisals etc.

and it isn't about protection from defaulting...  

This is a more affordable option but only protects against named events.Comprehensive Coverage: Often called “all-risk” coverage, this protects against most unexpected events, except exclusions like flooding or earthquakes, which usually require separate policies.

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

This protects you if you have to fire them.2) Pest treatments would depend on the location.

There are many trainers of many topics in real estate, finance, notes, asset protection, etc.

Always ensure thorough due diligence to protect your capital and achieve strong returns.If you need any support or tailored financing for these strategies, let me know.

Even when wholesalers “kinda’ admit to the seller that they are going to “wholesale” the property, they still tend to mislead the seller by talking about “financing partners”, “equity positions”, “mentors” “membership” etc.So, various states have, under the banner of consumer protection, enacted legislation to restrict the use of the “wholesale” transaction in RESIDENTIAL OWNER OCCUPIED real estate - note, not commercial property and not residential when the transaction is between 2 investors. 

Always protect yourself by enforcing contracts, and learning to say no. 

I have a plan in place to use entities once I reach a particular number of properties, but the additional protection is marginal at this point.