This seems like a no-brainer to me and fits well into a vertical integration strategy (I'm also thinking about managing other people's rentals as even more vertical integration (aka side money).  

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

I have five houses in Memphis area, and the biggest problem has been finding a good property management company. 

The time has come for me to start investing in real estate and before doing so i'm looking to build a strong and dedicated team of partners: agents, lenders, contractors and property managers mainly in the Cleveland area (but also open to markets within a 2-3 hr drive away) that already possess an excellent track record in their line of work and that value long term collaboration.

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

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

Connect with local agents, and property managers to access off-market deals and get insights on strong rental areas.Good luck!

Their pro formas felt optimistic with providing 6% annual appreciation and property management that is only about 6% of rent so I take it with a grain of salt (they offer their own property management services but it has terrible reviews on Yelp so I would probably go with someone else). 

However, I’d like to have a space of my own before living with others again (I plan to house hack again with my next property).I’m seeking advice on how to move forward, as I need to consider things like utilities, taxes, landlord/umbrella insurance, and managing the property, especially with someone renting my garage.Specifically, I’m curious about renting out individual rooms and living on my own for a little while.

We will certainly manage the drawdown from those funds to account for tax consequences as best we can.I appreciate the calls for diversification and I get that cash flow is a tougher to secure with interest rates where they are.