I'd rather just hire a manager who I thoroughly vet and who I know screen's well do everything.And I know a lot of managers charge a percentage of one month's rent for leasing a unit but I think having a flat fee that is a percentage of the rent is more conducive because then your interest and the PM's interests are aligned with getting paid - you both earn when the tenant pays rent. 

My dilemma and stall right now is I don’t know if I should take my entire capital and purchase one house flat out, and collect the cash flow and then HELOC that property to go get 2 more properties so I’m only paying interest on the equity line.

I read that there would be a flat 30% tax on the rental income if one becomes a Non Resident Alien.

I want to pull out equity to pay for my solar panels which I have a rate of 25%.

The city might force us to move all of the electrical panels from the basement to the back wall for easier access.  

I'f we have tenants who either lost their jobs or just flat out refuse to pay rent during these times should us landlords continue to pay our mortgage on time?

Here are the "numbers" pertinent to our house :    Mortgage Payment = $1,379 ( including taxes and insurance ; Mortgage balance $138K out of the original loan of $165K ; 22 more years; 3.875% ;    House built on 1956 in very good condition; new roof with solar panels; 3 BR 2 Bath with 2 additional rooms as office and family room; 1450 sq ft.;   Average rent per Zillow is $1950 but our neighbor rents same size house as ours for $2300 and our house has more "features" than hers.4. 

And after enough time and trying to create a rapport, I will ask them flat out: What are the other offers looking like?

Wondering if I can move from renting currently at $1,400 a month to buying a 2 flat for house hacking.

This will be essentially like option 1 above, but with possibly more convenience and ease for the tenant.I advise against building the water/sewer into the monthly rent amount; always keep the two separate, even if you are using a flat fee as described in option 3, because otherwise when you market the property for leasing, you will artificially inflate the rent.