I have been a landlord and investor for over a decade AND also work as a senior/regional property manager so I feel like I see both sides and have some good insight on this- manage yourself if you have the time and fortitude to do so, you will make mistakes but it will pay off, get a real estate license (not hard to do plus you can sell and buy properties and get commission) and know the laws, be willing to do the research, NO ONE IS GOING CARE AS MUCH ABOUT YOUR PROPERTY AS YOU- that being said, not everyone wants to has the time ect or headache or likes asking for rent…FIND A MANAGER THAT ALSO IS A LANDLORD INVESTOR, I can’t tell you how many property managers I’ve tried training and that failed at our company because they just don’t get it from an owner or investor side, like “no tenant we aren’t going to come replace your stove again, no we aren’t going to clean your bathroom cause you didn’t , ability to analyze when to do maintenance and not, ability to explain to tenant owners POV, I tell every owner I am not telling you anything I haven’t done or I’d do my self, a lot of property managers are blue colar type workers and have never invested in their life and just done get it, 4 out of 5 property managers fail at my company because of this especially for single family homes, find a PM with speciality in SFH for your area, for example, a PM in Birmingham MI (upscale area) will fail in Detroit or lower end markets (but that’s were the best ROIs are)

Con's- feel like I am wasting money.

I learned a ton during this process while being able to take some intentional steps to protect my client.I'm going to do my best to explain this without divulging specific details, as I don't believe in having anyone shamed and I do not intend to break my clients' right to confidentiality.The property in question was less than 1 year old, built by a local builder who held full ownership free and clear of any debts. 

I've always seen having a license as a benefit.  1) It gives you multiple strategies when meeting with a seller.  2) I always tell the seller when I disclose that I am licenses that this gives them the ability to not only use the court of law if they feel I do something wrong, but they an also submit a complaint to the licensing board. 

If you have specific questions or need further guidance on any aspect, feel free to ask the community.

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It feels like Quickbooks to me and is easy to use, categorize, and see trends over time. 

I feel I do a better job than any local property management company and I'm much better at hiring tradespeople, making certain they do a great job and by being the decision-maker I'm responsible with my money and am learning A LOT about every facet of the industry. 

All I can tell online is that the judicial foreclosure sale are blighted properties that only have a 60 day redemption period and afterward the purchaser gets free and clear title vs. 12 month redemption for non-judicial sale.Thanks!

run the numbers with different down payments and see what that looks and feels like.hope this helps