However, I want to make sure I am protected and he is as well.My questions to you all is I’m thinking on not only getting a home inspection, but I’d like to take the contract that we sign and run it past my lawyer as well, which I plan to do until I feel I I am more comfortable with that piece of the real estate game.

The main problem with most of the property managers out there, is that they don't have any skin in the game.

Sometimes when we have an emotional piece in the game, we tend to think things are better than they areMarket influence also.....how is the market for units in the $2400 range..... in some markets that's a very select few tenants looking...... so the pool is low to start

Once I get my feet wet, I'm ready to take off and hopefully help others as I learn more and gain some experience and traction in the real estate game. 

Also for future reference what’s your best technique/way to find properties without realtor involvement?

It's all in da game...

Sounds like you are really ahead of the game if you purchased your home in 2010.

If you're looking to park cash and play the debt pay down game is a great time for that as rates are low but it's difficult to find significant upside right now and will require a lot of time and effort on your part. 

I have worked on some houses over the years that I am shocked that they have stood around this long, seeing some of the framing and the failures before they knew certain things we now know with modern building science and product/technique innovation.

@John NeffSet for Life, Scott TrenchCommunity, Peter BlockThe Infinite Game, Simon SinekRyan Holiday Trio:-The Obstacle is the Way-Ego is the Enemy-Stillness is the Key