This can change depending on the type of tenant and the jurisdiction. 

As I have yet to start that research and plan on starting the investment in the next few months, what are some of you best practices for automation and systems for screening and payments of tenants as well as managing once rented.

Hi Jordan - The advice that one is not looking for is often the best advice to heed. 

Like many things it’s often about relationships and comfort level.

This is the cleanest way and often used in estate planning where owners owned properties for a long time, has good cash flow, and do not want to sell because of capital gains.Another way is to add your name to the deed TIC, and as part owner, you do not need a PM license.

@Anthony Dooley, I hear you, but then the Bay Area is often about defying logic when you think of the crazy companies (uber, Airbnb, Twitter etc) and businesses that are born here are go on to take over the world.

The bad is that often times you will find less care is being taken with your property, the Section 8 has inspections, which at times can be obnoxious and often times you are renting to tenants with no job or limited employment, so they are home all the time, causing more wear on your house. 

Waiting weeks for access is costing you money everyday as those units could be leased by now.Secondly, it sounds as if the property management company isn't too motivated, which is often the case on smaller properties.

@Tamara Troutt lean into your discomfort and call more often, don't take it personally when you come across these people you may just want to politely  say "have a nice day" and hang up then on to the next one.

In the mean time, if you are worried that your credit utilization is too high you can always pay it off more often.