I'm a Realtor, property manager, and investor in San Angelo.

Broker, investor, and property manager here.

It's a lesson I've seen play out repeatedly in my years managing a real estate.

I'm now figuring out how to maximize the return on current properties and add value, efficient ways to self manage, etc.

If there is a property manager, your success rate is going to be very low.   

I have helped hundreds of investors execute 1031 exchanges and build diversified portfolios across various excellent markets, all while using just one property management service.

If you are unsure, to start, hire a property manager and don't let the tenants know you are the owner. 

If you have vacancy or in need of a large repair, will you have the cash to also manage that? 

And then, with every new program manager we get it seems there is a new idea about what color scheme will be better to keep the clients calm so we repaint them walls at least with each New management change that occurs.

There are really great REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are particularly lucrative - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent.