You did the hardest thing, which is simply buying that first one.I may be biased (no, I'm definitely biased) but @Erin Spradlin is kind of what you're looking for in terms of hand-holding.

If I were in your shoes I would simply look for a co-signer to a loan and look for a small-multi family in your home town where you can house hack.

Like Mija noted, they cost real money and time to maintain, and I simply was not deriving enough value from either.I had no intention of GC-ing jobs for clients, which is about all it would have allowed me to do that I can't do already.  

You may also consider a bridge loan until you have a signed lease, security deposit, and first months rent to use 75% of the lease amount if you have a property identified and need to move quickly. 

I also hope to build my network of lenders, contractors, etc.My highest priority currently is learning and practicing to identify and analyze properties.

Luckily, my brother is a software engineer so he put together a website where new tenants can simply click on "apply."

I have identified properties in a particular area I want to target and want to reach out to the property owner to see if they would sell.

If I were to go this route I would clearly identify each of these risks individually, understand how the Govt would potentially challenge each of them and then assess in your particular fact pattern how you would effectively rebut a challenge to each. 

Motivated sellers aren't identified by an algorithm.

Quote from @Brian Bowen: I have identified a couple properties I would like to inquire about.