But that appreciation can be withdrawn tax free, that’s a big deal  With your income I’d target having paid off properties generating $2-3,000/mo cash flow instead of $2-300. that lowers you’re required properties by 90%. just as important you get to  leave California and save 10% on income tax and 50% on personal housing.

I was looking into a virtual number such as from RingCentral so that I wouldn't have to use my personal cell in any guest communications, but I also noted that many of the PMS such as OwnerRez and Lodgify offer SMS messaging.

If you already own it and it was a personal residence that you don't want to sell providing you live somewhere in the area, have an interest and understanding of your local rental laws and aren't in California (the laws) or Florida (the possibility of assessments) then self management is a possibility. 

In Florida you put up a Three Day Notice on the Door or pay a Service Agent to try to get Personal Service.

I'm originally from San Francisco and started investing in Columbus back in 2021 with a 3bed/1ba single-family home and now have 3 additional duplexes in my personal portfolio, all in Columbus.

My personal opinion is that the peace of mind with a property mgmt company is worth it.

Assess you personal situation and go from there.

Chester county ask for the person's SSN to check if he owes child support, But there is no way I can get that information.

I personally invest in Columbus and own 9 units here.

Which is very important, and hard to achieve with a person you just met (leads, open houses, Facebook groups) While you may work with 'strangers' from these groups in your career, typically you will work with folks you already have a relationship with.