I also keep a 9-5 that often runs later than 5.

I am looking to understand the ROI on the investment under the two scenarios and how to correctly estimate the differences in total return between the two options, assuming the positive cash flow ($28K/year w 3% growth rate) is reinvested and compared to keeping the $260K in the stock market.

Let's explore some effective approaches for managing investment properties:With a Property Manager:Screening and Selecting Tenants: Entrust your property manager to handle tenant screening, background checks, and selection, ensuring reliable renters for your investment.Rent Collection: Property managers can ensure timely rent collection and handle any late payments or lease violations professionally.Maintenance and Repairs: Delegate routine maintenance tasks and repairs to your property manager, who can coordinate with contractors and vendors to keep your property in top condition.Tenant Relations: Property managers serve as the primary point of contact for tenants, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive rental experience.Lease Enforcement and Evictions: Trust your property manager to enforce lease terms and handle the eviction process if necessary, following legal procedures.Financial Management: Property managers can handle financial tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, providing you with regular updates on property performance.Without a Property Manager:Self-Management: Take on the responsibility of managing the property yourself, handling tasks such as advertising vacancies, screening tenants, and collecting rent.Outsourcing Specific Tasks: While not hiring a full-time property manager, consider outsourcing tasks like maintenance and repairs to trusted contractors or service providers.Utilizing Technology: Leverage property management software and online platforms to streamline processes such as rent collection, lease management, and maintenance requests.Establishing Clear Policies: Set clear policies and procedures for tenants regarding rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease terms to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings.Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify maintenance issues or lease violations early on and address them promptly.Building Relationships: Maintain open communication and positive relationships with tenants to foster a sense of community and encourage better care of the property.Whether you choose to hire a property manager or manage the property yourself, effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to property management are key to maximizing returns and maintaining the value of your investment.

Side notes here to keep in mind, the market is crazy right now and lenders are prioritizing home purchases vs. refinancing due to limited labor availability.

Also wanted to buy this property as it was a board up directly across from my first investment property so by improving it I helped the neighborhood values and keeping the area up.

Remember with land, often you may need to owner finance the sale and that cold keep your money tied up for years and create additional expenses. 

As I'm sure you already know, speaking with an attorney who specializes in such ventures is a must to keep you out of an orange jumpsuit!

As such, I would suggest being very conservative with your cash as loosing principle will be quite impactful.I understand your desire to earn the highest return possible, but keep in mind that you often need to take on higher risk to get a greater return. 

we have not had trouble keeping our properties rented in Carbondale.

Raleigh is an appreciation market - keep that in mind.