Goals!

I have self managed prior to this experience. 

What are your goals?

Team up with the tenant to achieve your mutual goal which is to have a successful relationship including between the tenants and the relationship you have with them.

My goal is to do this with as little money out of my own pocket as possible.

@Joy FuchsI would say the decision needs to be based on your building experience and goals.  

My long term goal is to 1031 exchange a portfolio of residential investment properties (ideally all multiplexes, but probably some 1-2%/mo sfrs) into a larger commercial property, ideally 15+ units, with a much more hands off operation. with that in mind, would it be better for me to save up for a larger down payment and never live in my properties, only manage from within 50-75miles (my Dallas proper neighborhood is NOT in my current budget right now) or would it be okay to #HOUSEHACK my first one and then househack a second one in 18-24months, etc. anyone go down this path before that can offer some advice?

Just sell and move on.While I certainly want to make money on this home, my ultimate goal is to NOT have it cost me money to hold, while keeping it as part of a diversified investment portfolio.Did I leave anything critical out of the equation?

But if your goal is to keep your rehab costs low, it may be worth not doing as invasive of a project and going with the high velocity so you don't run into more problems when you start opening things up!

Having a clear, concise message about what you're looking to accomplish will help you achieve that goal.