I now live back in New York so I'm using a property manager to handle the rental.

Now this number will change if the person pays off early, etc. 

Personal preference though 

This answer all depends on personal preference and budget.

So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services and HOW those services are executed.EXAMPLE: PMC states they will handle tenant screening – what does that specifically mean?

They can explain what the requirements are and verify if this person holds the proper license.Anyone can get a license.

Handling Maintenance requests and emergencies, Handling tenant disputes, Ensuring the tenants are properly insured (if you require them to), Marketing the property, Screening applicants, Handling the security deposit return, and a whole lot more. 

Lying on personal declaration forms5. 

Just connect with those doing deals in the area you want and let them handle it.

This means that you will probably need to pay registration and filing fees in at least 2 states if you don’t buy CA property as a CA resident.Any lawsuits should be limited to the assets of the LLC and not your personal assets (assuming you run the LLC appropriately and the corporate veil is not pierced, some debate as to SMLLC).