You probably recoup the 5k in ARV, but Old North Milwaukee is an economically challenge neighborhood, so manage your expectations.Avoiding frequent turnover, tenants who don't pay, damage property or cause other issues is the name of the game to achive long term profitability.

Thanks for sharing your perspective—it’s definitely insightful, and I understand where you’re coming from.While I get that partnering with one exclusive buyer might limit your potential profit on individual deals, couldn’t there be value in the consistency and reliability of working with a cash buyer who provides specific leads/addresses and is always ready to close on those deals?

one i self-manage. 

I don't plan on buying for another 8 months or more and I don't want them to think I'm just wasting their time but I do want to start seeing which agents will understand my goals and see what kind of opportunities each will send.I'm also trying to figure out if there is a minimum number of units I would need to work with a PM and how to find one?

My partner and I have bought a few homes now.

I am still looking for renters and I am wondering if it is necessary for me to get a property manager since I live far away. sometimes there are random things that need to be taken care of that I can't do right away since I do not live close.

Have a tenant who broke the lease and I agreed to let her out for a fee, which she finally agreed to but has made no effort to pay.

Professionally, I have a background in technology consulting and product management.

Seems like my area is allowed to do STR and I was able to obtain where to contact to, to make sure what I found is accurate. 

She breezed through her application, has great references and credit score, had already paid her July rent/security deposit, has insurance in place, and is set up for auto-pay going forward.Thanks for your insights!