this is very time consuming and I am getting frustrated.

This sounds like a loser as a rental (read up on the 50% guideline which states that half of your gross rent will be consumed by expenses and vacancies over time.)

I saw your post on the Mariea board ( I presume it was you) There are a number of ways to market with modest money.

Push back and demand they provide a property accounting of the deposit and a refund of whatever amount isn't legitimately consumed when you move out.

The parts that are tedious and time consuming, like direct mail marketing and answering the phone can be out sourced.

It's so time consuming and as soon as you start painting, your phone will ring or there's fifty other little things that need to be done.If you can do the work yourself in a timely manner when starting out, I think it's good.

Wholesaling is time consuming but there are some great deals to be had.

The want $30/mo for 1-3 employees and if you are a big company you stand no chance as consumer against them and what they pay BBB.

You may not even need and agent with all the consumer sites that list properties for sale.

Be careful to keep credit inquiries off your account and keep your use of credit card lines modest in the meantime, to keep your scores high in order to get the best rates.