They have staff positions where you learn RE investing while they generate the leads and sell the deals (mostly to a big hedge fund client).

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications.2.

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications.2.

The state Realtor's board has LOTS of attorney's on staff staying up with current law.

If you don’t and crank up the stupid and use tape, you will likely peel paint & paper and then you’re paying for mudding, sanding, primer and paint, you pick.”There are two things in my welcome kit that I tell my staff are not optional: picture hanging kit; felt pads for chair legs.

Permits and inspections will be necessary, and if the city's municipal offices cut staff or hours, might be difficult to get the project completed as planned.  

In my opinion if the properties are within 1 hour, you should manage them yourself.If you decide to buy more, you will likely grow tired of doing it, however,  It really is not a huge deal to manage a few units on your own.You will need some good contacts for repairs, but with the right people in place as long as you are ok paying for service, it is just a matter of the tenant calling you, you call the right repair person, and the problem gets handled, you can be anywhere.It comes down to proper screening and following / learning about the tenancy rules in your area.Property managers will all sell you on the set it and forget it, however, I have had some property mangers that take more management then the tenants.Good property managers that use proper software and have several staff in place to handle issues are usually higher priced, but could be worth it.Then there are several that do property management on the side when they are not busy as a real estate agent, home inspector, etc...There are also some maintenance people that claim to be property managers, but sometimes lack the people skills, which are really important as a property manager. 

They should also have a maintenance guy on staff for simple repairs or request verifications and a key to the unit.

And it actually has a choice of who you would accept - undergrads, grad students, staff, etc.  

The local apartment association or real estate association may have a lease or rental agreement you can buy to use - these agreements are reviewed yearly by their legal staff, so you can skip having your attorney review it.