As far as self managing, it’s fairly easy.

Make it look super 'cute' and charge double!

I spent several man-hours organizing our data for easy interpretation.  

Common problem, no easy answer:(We try to allow our owner clients to arrange their own maintenance, but have learned the hard way there MUST be limitations:1) They can't hire our people!

Crooks know properties advertised for rent are vacant and easy targets.Now, if your PMC decided to do self-showings, they should have also taken responsibility for any resulting damages.

If you have three people renting together, combine their incomes into one to see if it meets the 3x requirement.However, nothing is that easy.

Going DIY and self-managing this type of asset from another state may not be an easy task for such a building and neighborhood, it needs more attention (and probably capital).Try an unconventional approach.

@Chris Lin not sure where else you own properties, but all their fees are what is normal for the Metro Detroit area.We have heard some PMCs offer lower fees in other parts of the country, but from what we've researched, these only apply to Class A properties - which are REAL easy to manage.We actually charge LESS than average to manage Class A rentals in our market.

It's not quite as easy as renting out two sides of a duplex, but with the right marketing and management you could rent out the extra unit to supplement the mortgage payment. 

Section 8 is best used as a risk mitigation tool for properties in super low income, high crime areas.