You have no control over your own property if you allow a new property management company to choose your first tenant when you only have one property.Know the costs of every call, handyman, etc in advance.

We operate a general contracting group mainly focused on large scale investment projects and a Design | Build company that is passionate about everything building science. let me know if you would like to connect over a call or meeting. 

We found a management company that is charging 10%.

Do you see the difference?

Any recommendations for such companies? 

Would love an update if you decided to invest, and if you picked a different spot, would love to know why! 

How long it takes to be financially ready is different for everyone.

From personal experience, MLS deals are much less lucrative given their higher price points (typically).With respect to financing, you can talk to any of the hard money lenders on this site for different financing programs they offer (some are tighter with someone who has not yet executed a flip), you can take equity out on existing properties you have, you can use private loan from a friend or relative.

Her management company is telling her that listing the property using an outside agent means the property is being represented by two agents—the PM and the sellers agent.

I've reached out to multiple insurance companies that are saying they won't insure a building that old.