During my career as a Financial Planner, when clients inquired about investing in rental properties, I strongly encouraged the use of a property manager who will (1) do the necessary background checks, (2) get you market rent, and (3) do the dirty work of evicting.  You should never develop a personal relationship or an emotional bond with your renters.  There are too many people in this world who will play on your emotions for personal advantage.  But write something into the contract with the property manager that requires your permission for any maintenance and repair costs.  One client of mine was billed $700 by a property manager for replacement of a water heater he had just replaced a year earlier and was still under warranty.