I am going through this right now for the first time long distance and had the same debate on how to handle PM versus self managed.

@Shawn LegreeI was debating the same question, but I also decided to add NJ to the equation.

I do get alerts from Redfin, unfortunately I'm not familiar enough yet with the lay of the land, what area's / zip codes are most in demand for rentals, things like that. 

Many people aren't familiar with doing that, you may have to find a lender/broker that has experience. 

Properties are way cheaper there than here in Houston and I lived in KC, KS for 10yrs so I'm familiar with the area (just moved to Houston in 2020).

Regardless, it is good to run through the numbers and get familiar with the system. 

Yes, we are referring to the whole business...there's a good bit of debate to be found in the forums here on BP on whether self storage is real estate investing or a business.

The debate of cost is subjective to what each person is used to.

I'm not familiar with any online development modeling software.2.

Additionally, there would be limitations on when family could use the house - no, you can't go there for 3 weeks solid every July, you get the idea - to allow more rental availability.I live 6 hours away, so I would need to use a property management company.With those two points in mind, for those of you familiar with the area and investing there, will I be able to break even?