So there are many more participants at the novice level who may not understand the risk/reward nature of this type of investment. 

At the end of the day, assuming the market at a high-level is strong, you must be able to trust in a strong, local team. 

It’s a split level house with 2 / 1 on each level, both about 900sqft.

However, I'm now reading Dave Meyer's book Start With Strategy to learn more about whether long-term residential rentals is even the best approach or if I should be looking into other strategies, in light of my overall goal.After Start With Strategy I plan to read Set For Life by Scott Trench, but what other recommendations do you guys have at the strategic level?

I am not saying that to brag, the reason I say it is we all wish we could get into real estate at a younger age - but we are all different and depending on your level of risk, sometimes being patient is not a bad thing as its a marathon not a sprint.  

Its always best to review your file with an investor friendly mortgage broker like ourselves to see what are your best options in terms of financing your next deal and get a high level understanding on how to enter a property and also exit a property.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: This depends on what level of control you can exercise over the W-2 employer.

Either the toilet is leaking below the floor level or there is degraded caulk/grout surrounding the tub/shower/walls.

Yes, this will be an entry level job, but it gives you experience, gives you income to be able to even start buying single family rentals, if you want, gives you connections in the industry (not always investors, but people you may need later on).  

So great levels of intelligence it does not take.