Intro- New Investor, Residential Rental Property in TN

[Cheryl H.]

Hello. I just joined but have been listening to the podcasts for a while. I'm a licensed professional engineer in my mid 30s in Knoxville. I purchased my first home 3 years ago, and had been double paying mortgage payments and considering making a large payment with money I've got in savings. It occurred to me that this savings and extra monthly income should instead go to something that can make me money. I've always been interested in real estate. I love the idea of owning a few rentals, and am interested in purchasing my first property early in 2017. I'd like to buy near my current home in Knoxville. 

I'm single and do not have children, so my investment motivations and risk profile may be slightly different than some members. I see the first property as a test/ learning experience but would still like it to be successful. Then perhaps more in the future, maybe 2-3 more in the next 5-7 years.

I have a lot of questions. I am not handy nor do I have a ton of time to search for deals. (Contrary to popular belief, not all engineers are "tinkerers! I am not that kind of engineer, I do enviro/chem work.) So am thinking I need an agent to help with this first purchase. Am nervous, of course, about landlording for the first time, especially by myself. So am spending some time reading about that, but am learning that part of overcoming that anxiety may just be in the doing of the thing. Any advice, encouragement, etc. is greatly appreciated. This seems to be a really great place.