It looks like you've taken more steps than some, so, keep learning and planning your next moves!

Hey @Tonio Pearce - If you don't have an end destination, you won't know which road to take.If you can create a longer term vision (5-10 year) for your business, you can slowly back in next steps for (1 year, qtrly, weekly). 

Kudos for taking the first step and getting your first deal.

Please, please, PLEASE learn how to underwrite an apartment before taking the next step.

I think all the other seasoned investors would agree the best timing to make your first step into REI is yesterday.  

WE also make sure our driveways are 4 feet wider than Lennar this way when they step out of the car they land on concrete NOT dirt . 

I feel like it would be great to trust a property management company on all of this, but it would be hard not to step in if you could do a better job at screening bad tenants (eg screening HUGE future problems).I initially managed properties myself, but now I delegate that responsibility to my business partner, personal assistant, or a property manager at my brokerage.Most PMs I know will send you an applicant for final approval and you can get on the phone with them and ask them questions

It’s awesome that you’re taking steps toward buying in an area you love and planning for the future—whether it’s as a second home or a long-term investment for your kids, this is a meaningful goal.

What is the next step for me as a new landlord/homeowner? 

I love how you reframed failure as a stepping stone to success.