I would like to buy, fix up, and rent out a property but I can't afford another house where I live.

Hi Joe,But then again there are those that do manage across the great East / West divide ;).I have been working with a PM for the past two years and quite happy with their services.

It is worth it when you can afford to do that, but in the beginning, it's not a realistic way to find cash buyers. 

I know it has been called a little/ no money down investement route but I believe that is more to do with marketting costs.The gurus have explained the steps in details such as qualify a TB, but in order to do so don't I have to go a mortgage broker and ask them to carry out the required checks..surely that carries a cost..I would like to understand from someone who has experience the followingwhich professionals need to carry out each stage for both the TB and the seller documentswhat are the ball park prices I need to expect for these services. 

When the swamp cooler needed repairing/possibly replacing in one of the units, I asked the tenant if she was interested in getting AC and she said she wouldn't be able to afford the electricity  and preferred to keep the swamp cooler.  

My gut tells it's contraction instead of expansion but is that balanced but not carrying any debt service?  

Not to paint a grim picture, just a rality I deal with all the time unless margins can afford remote autopilot or hands-off I call it. 

Is the manager paying a monthly check and then he gets paid for his services?

@Gerard Connolly-  First of all... thank you so much for your service to this country!

., there's no fee for the property management service)?