The first apartments I rented as the owner, were previously rented by the former owner at $150 month including utilities. 

Tenant handles all utilities and lawncare.

Tax savings are amazing and I have utilized cost segs myself, but you also have an opportunity to make an amazing return on your money in the Tampa Bay market. 

Would love to pick your brain a bit if you are open to it!

@Venka Pulla Many smaller PMCs are unprofessional, they can also be vindictive.So, suggest you get all the info you can from your Owner Portal before terminating them.Also, hire a new PMC BEFORE terminating the current PMC.Then, terminate and work closely with the new PMC to get tenant payments switched over and whatever documentation is missing.Hopefully, you'll screen for a new PMC better than you did to pick the current one!

Plus the challenge with mid term is you are generally on the hook for things like internet, utilities, etc.

There are definitely faster ways to grow your portfolio fully utilizing debt.

Utilizing empty lot space in this way helps to combat the increasing housing prices and limited supply many markets have been experiencing.

My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

A realtor doing high volume, you don't have to use one you can poll 3-5 agents see what they do to get you the comps and then pick that person to help you.