Some remote investors will just hire someone to walk through the property and take a lot of pictures, then work off of that to estimate repair costs.

I'm trying to figure out what are the trade-offs of hiring a property management firm vs just doing the initial work myself.

Or only if I really loved a particular property for some reason.Cloud Castles that I mentioned earlier would seem like a more interesting model to me if they supported multi-million dollar homes in the future.

I have hired a ppc manager but created the site on my own.

However, this is highly audited area and you will see some blocks:1) you need to find a right asset first that you  enough depreciation with cost seg. 2) you need to materially participate in that activity.3) your losses might even be limited based other IRS code section. 4) You need to have an audit proof and documentation of real estate professional status.If we are talking about a huge tax bill, I’m pretty sure you would benefit from hiring a good CPA who can cut your tax bill.

Hire specialty admins to handle management and liquidation over a number of years.Distribute proceeds over next decade for cash flow and to limit tax liability.

I hired a real estate attorney and sued him. 

I hired a real estate attorney and sued him.

I hired a real estate attorney and sued him.

John, I own a mold remediation company so to CYA let me preface this with a " if you have concerns you should hire a professional certified and/or licensed in mold remediation."