You're correct that you could take care of your own taxes with some hand-holding, education and what-not.

The wife and I make +300K combined, we're currently not paying rent or child care (thanks, family!)

BE VERY CAREFUL THOUGH - a bank may not follow this rule. 

Are you managing the property or do you have PM taking care of the property for you?

The house was not well cared for.  

I strongly believe, you make it nice, you care about it, you make it beautiful--and as long as the market supports it (there's good travel trends, etc.) you will do better than 80% of them. 

I know it is tempting to assume that since i got citied my PM isn't taking care of the property but I use a 3rd party service to check my properties  randomly. 

@Greg H.I am not really arguing with you however it is stupid to try and say one are is better than the other.If someone doesn't care about golf, they could care less about you having the ability to golf every day of the year (except for when you said you are hiding inside when it gets to the 30s.... 

Hey guys, Alex here from Addison, IL.  Been listening to the Bigger Pockets Podcast for the last couple of weeks.  In 2008 and 2009 earned top 100 Chicago Realtor title.  Had some financial missteps ,and pretty much s...

If they do have their contracts in order then you know they mean business and care about their work and reputation.I suggest either writing up a schedule to have your contractors follow or ask your general contractor for a schedule.