Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Do you live near Scranton? 

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

There’s nothing to earn or do to get that (Ephesians 2:8) Whenever I hear a preacher say you need to do this or that I’m reminded of The thief on the cross .

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: Like you I think I made my first investment in a true syndication when I was in my early 60s. the sponsor is what matters.. asset OK  but if the sponsor is not top notch I dont care how good the project is..

Fingers crossed it stays that way!

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: You shouldn't be buying via auction as a new investor.

I just went on a 43 day cross country trip with my family.Happy to connect.  

I dont do them often but did one up in Washington state and it was 50% LTV on the primary and then cross collateral on a really cool Ranch in North Central Washington that was free and clear so I got a first on that as a cross.. and I would have loved to own that property :)  @Beth Johnson does a lot of seconds from what I see and like me she knows how to juice the equity portion of the deal..

Likewise, a low value post, that doesn't technically break any of these ever changing rules, is still a low value post with out without whatever crosses the most recent line of self promotion.The incentive to provide value will take care of itself.

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: I would stay residential (4 units or less) to start unless you have management experience.