Jason:
Jim has some good ideas. I've worked for a number of property management companies over the years. Would not trust one of them. I'd actually try to do most of it myself at a distance. Find a handyman you can trust and have the tenants call you directly.
The only problem I can see at a distance is renting the place out. I'd even offer tenants a substantial discount if I could keep a property management company out of the picture.
The other option is to find a local landlord you trust and cut a deal with him or her. I'd say it would probably be worth at least twice the price of the property management company to make a deal like that.
When I bought one of my places, it was under a long contract with a management company. I made it a condition of the purchase that the contract would be voided.
Everyone property management company I know, had nickle and diming the owners to make extra money down to a science.

Kerry

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13