The advantage of directly owning is not only having complete control, but also the ability to create sweat equity when you are cash poor.Really your best choice is probably to hire a property manager.

This right here is why 2019 is the year to hire a CPA.

How is the air bnb currently going?

Caterpillar is moving a new facility here, Raytheon is looking to hire on over 2000 new engineers, and more office workers, there is talk about Texas Instruments moving back, and potentially even IBM.

The other thing you can look for here in So Florida, is a 2/2 with a Florida Room that could be converted and brought under air and turn it into a third bedroom!

Another house we were interested in we drove by weekly and saw the cabinets, air conditioner, ceiling tiles, etc. being removed a little each week. 

From what i have learned, gas (pool heating) and electric (summer air at full blast) will probably be more. 

Smell the couches, drapes or anything that may retain smoke smells because they can easily air the place out and mask most of the smell with scented candles, incense, etc.2.

I understand that I would need to manger my manger, just like I would with an employee or anyone else that I delegate responsibility to however, every other area that I hire sub-contractors for they are responsible for performing the work to the standard we've agreed to. 

Do they manage the property very well, with 2 vacancies and need of repair that is either the owners fault or managers fault, either way do your due diligence on both accounts.Once you have enough cash flow and a good feel of the property, much less hassle to hire a property manager.