@Jake LangleyRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder, etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

If I do go the property management route - can i get a limited service option (say in which I find the tenant, collect rent, handle most maitnenance issues) and they primarily are liasoning with my vendors during US business hours and handle any urgent maintenance issues?

Option 2: Purchase additional properties and build portfolio I know that there are some tax implications to no having the mortgage payment to consider.

Assuming you are keeping fairly apprised of debt options and interest rates, if the T12, cap rate is less than your interest rate, I would personally move on (exceptions apply if rents are several hundred behind market rates)These are three quick ones that shouldn't take more than 10, maybe 20 minutes to quickly determine and you don't even need a simple or complex excel model to complete.  

Would this be a viable option?

I see value in both, but I'm unsure which is the better option.

Totally a viable option but keep in mind the documentation of the process and making sure that YOUR material participation does not exceed anyone else in the home - for example, your cleaners or maintenance people. 

I'm looking to move into the apartment and or rv space. Curious to hear how y'all are marketing to and reaching owners the director-to-seller route...Thanks!

There are DSCR loan options where you can cash out up to 80% if you and the property meet certain criteria: if you have a middle mortgage FICO score of 740 and above you can do a 80% cash out refinance if 1-4 units (so single family rental or 2-4 units).

There is another option to look at assumable loans here in AZ and see if you can get into a lower interest rate.