Property management fees are 10% of monthly rent. 

Even if you consider a 3% vs. 20% down payment, when you add up closing costs and other fees on a home you would be more attracted to live in, you might be better off paying the 20% on a lower-cost rental and getting that rolling. 

A good property manager not only handles the day-to-day, but also keeps you compliant with local landlord-tenant laws and ensures your tenants are properly screened.The management fee might feel like a hit to cash flow, but it often pays for itself by avoiding headaches, missed rent, and costly mistakes.

Entity and appraisal review fees?

They want to make more loans and collect more fees/interest.

Creative Finances takes over mortgages when the house is bought, so there are no bank fees, instead of a limited number of house it's unlimited and you scale much faster.  

I have lost money on 2 Midwest properties (Class C, slowly gentrifying areas) "cash flow on paper" that I bought in 2023 from constant repairs and property management fees take a big chunk out (10% of monthly rent). 

Capital or debt stack/ capital calls/preferred infusion- weight all of the interest and cost factors.  

One final question, please: How do I verify / build controls around a builder's fee to ensure it's a true x%?  

Pricing, timelines, fees.