I am currently waiting till spring next year to make my first deal and at this moment trying to educate myself.

You are paying for education.

I still laugh when my employer called it "PTO".I've been educating myself about real estate investing for a couple years and just now feel like I'm on the cusp of taking the plunge.

If you want to self manage please get educated. 

If you don't feel comfortable with it, get more education until you do.What I saw as needing further eval: aluminum windows, roof, siding, brush/trees touching house (these help pests travel), cadet heater in kitchen, floors, pipes look galvanized (but closer inspection needed), cabs are old but not necessarily worthless.

What books would you recommend for educating myself on the purchase of a 6 plex?

@Vincent FontelaLike another post said educate with books and podcasts.

Thank you BiggerPockets for educating me and providing motivation to meet these goals!

As such, it is important for everyone to get educated in their investment market, their investment strategy, and build a solid and experienced team to make the investments profitable.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!