This can be a plus since it gives you more choice, but it's still work you wouldn't have to do if you worked with a turnkey company. 

- What was your decision based on when you made your choice?  

So, I am right now also thinking that The Quicken Rental Property Management Software is the best choice for managing accounting for rental properties. 

Not having to work 9-5 gives me the space to think creatively about real estate and spend more time finding and executing deals.In short, we've spent the last 8 years strategically buying and selling real estate.

When the market crashed, our condo lost over 100k in value overnight and when my wife and I needed a bigger place to start raising a family, I had no choice but to rent it out.

Even though I will budget for vacancies, my biggest fear is that I'll initially make a few bad choices in the screening process and I'll have to evict families.

Buy in a desirable area, near the metro if possible so it would be easier 1. to market it, get many applicants and have more choices to select a good tenant. 2.) ideally get more professionals/steady income renting who will hopefully give you less headaches.

Coops and condos limit your choices, including the choice to rent.

I made a strategic decision this year to outsource the actual transaction with the bank.I found a Qualifying Broker that specializes in handling the interaction with the short sale banks.  

Looking for some more strategic approaches from the pros around here.Gary is the man, already reached out to him :)