Real Estate is a math game so invest where numbers work.

When I recently learned of it, I went and did the math.

I am going to assume 2% on $200k loan (keeps the math easy). 

@Crystal C. a rain barrel might be a good start for a minor rain, but here is the math: at a maijor rain storm you may see 4 or 5 or more inches of rain, so depending on the size of your roof you might have 700 or 800 gallons of water captured in your gutters.

DIY if you can get it done quickly, he can't so he should hire someone, if he does the math and it will take 3 months to earn back what he paid, but he lets it sit for 4 months hoping to finish DIY the answer is clear.

@Daivis DeJesus it meets some of the rules of thumb. 780 rent8-10% vacancy5-10% repairs3-7% capex 10% property management (regardless of if you do it yourself or not)InsuranceProperty taxesThese are the numbers that matter, investing is all a math problem.I invest X amount and get Y return after expenses.  

My math shows you almost $500/month in the red after you move out.

(I did not to do the math but you should)

It appears you already did your own math and even gave details not in the first post.  

So do your own math.