This perspective is solely from years of experience managing mobile home park funds and working with the tax experts around us.All the best,Jack

Is it possible to self-manage in D areas?

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

It seems difficult to find a good property management team for affordable percentages. 

With $1mil could probably generate $4-5K net per month comfortably with property management or minimal work self-managing. 

Keep your licensing and permits in order, manage all vendor relationships with contracts and adequate insurance, maintain adequate insurance on your end and more generally operate your business soundly.

I had to call my Indiana property manager because of recent storm to check on hail damage.

Can I "pay myself" to manage my rentals 20.5 k on a sched C and write off the fee.

I just checked online with department of health and found this article.https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/septic-system/caring-your-system#:~:text=If%20your%20system%20is%20only,a%20more%20stringent%20inspection%20requirement.

I also do project management and budgeting.