Thank you everyone for your replies - it all sounds like solid advice:I understand to the professional real-estate investor this might sound like a nauseatingly safe strategy but I am a novice and admittedly would like to play safe while I learn the ins-and-outs of the industry, being a landlord, maintenance, renovation, regulations etc...

I came here for professional advice from like minded professional people who wish to help propel my success the way I wish to help propel theirs.

I should be able to get it down to 10% of rents collected with a professional management company; however, I'm assuming since this is my first property there will be some headaches with coaching them how I'd like to approach ongoing communications, repairs, etc.

Check out "Real Estate Professionals of Metro West" and "Boston Real Estate Connection" on Meetup.com

Ideally, this would be the same person/professional that would be responsible for formulating and presenting a recommendation on your request to the Zoning Board. 

A fingerprint card may be obtained from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation by contacting the Customer Contact Center at (BP won't allow me to post the tel#- I'll message to you). 

So you will use all of your normal professionals. 

She told me she didn't know how to write a contract, and I assured her, nor do I that is why I am seeking professional advice and we can talk over the weekend (I was sincere). 

Form 4684 will be involved, that's for sure.And you already know that I will suggest getting professional help.

I find it hard to generalize except on a couple of things.If there is an outside, read professional management company in place they charge a fee and will have a minimum dollar amount that they will accept for monthly/annual fees.