Hiring a Property Manager for First Unit?

[Tom Jordan]

Newbie question - seems like all of the books I read suggest having a property manager run the process.  I love the concept, but my agent scoffed at the idea and said it's too expensive if you don't have several units.  Is this true?  Do investors generally self manage until they get multiple properties, or do you suggest hiring a property manager from the get go?  I'm looking at a 2-3 Bed Single Family Rental.