I'd say it depends on what you are looking for. If you want a stable, long-term tenant, you are better off having a relationship with them. Leasing agents are typically going to expect to raise rent with every new lease, regardless of market conditions. It's not really in their best interests to keep tenants in long-term.
I've rented out and been a renter, and it's been a lot smoother dealing directly with the tenants as a landlord, and dealing with the landlord as a renter. But I also only had one unit and I lived close enough to get over their easily to do work.
I really just want to be as hands off and uninvolved as possible. I've been getting quotes all day and trying to figure out some details but having a company do everything for us seems to be the way we are heading. Making money on it would be nice but in the end I just don't want it to cost me anything... time, money, or worry