Trying to get to the bare minimum cashflow number to leave your job is extremely risky.  

Guess my cleaners just grin and bare it, I'm sure it happens every now and then. 

Lies, lack of integrity, zero communication, mismanagement, poor workmanship and greed barely scratches the surface.

If you aren't, are you better off lowering your price, or keeping the price high, lowering your standards and dealing with the risk of not getting all of your money sometimes, getting your money late, and other issues that are more likely when one doesn't/barely has enough money to make ends meet. 

Evictions and damages could get messy.If you do decide to move forward, here’s the bare minimum you should do:You want the insurance placement company on the lease and the actual occupants listed as "authorized occupants" in the lease too — by full name.That way, you know exactly who’s living there, and you have leverage if you need to enforce the lease rules.Also, make sure the company agrees in writing that they are fully responsible for any damages caused by the family, and that they will ensure the family follows all the terms of your lease (no smoking, pets, whatever your house rules are).You should also still run a basic background check on the family yourself, if the company allows it, or at least meet them and trust your gut.you’re not crazy for feeling uneasy.

Seems to be the opposite of the people trying to use it, no cash or barely any.

And while four of my rental units have received new HVAC systems recently, our own home still has a 30-year-old unit barely making it through Texas summers.I’m also self-employed, so our income isn’t always consistent—it’s seasonal and can fluctuate significantly.

Starting from scratch with a bare lot....well that is something different.I have heard Ambergris Caye is pretty cool but you have to check the market.

However, take a look at your budget to see what you can realistically afford and decide if you want a Property Manager who is only going to do that bare minimum, or one that will offer a bit more (because I think you'll need more to properly maintain these properties).

There is barely anything to do in North LT or Truckee after 9.