I’m starting to lean more towards private lending as a way to get my toes wet and get my money working for me in a relatively stable way.I’m looking for educational resources or literature.

Its the less aggressive model but it was programed into me from a young age, keep your business risk separate from the things that you need to live (home, car, food, etc.). 

This means you'll want to "write off" expenses related to a property you have in service because if those expenses don't benefit you this year they could in the future once you sell the property.We can get into a lot more details with the "if" "and" or "buts" BUT I think this would be the "simplest" answer without diving into your specific situation here.I hope this helps! 

Of course, it's always smart to keep funds aside for unforeseen or emergency related costs.Others who have already responded have provided some great opinions. 

Based on your age & needs, you could consider a variable annuity (stock market) vs a fixed or deferred annuity (more like a long term CD). 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I’m relatively new to investing but eager to learn and grow.

Also, "On The Market" has some great content relating to market trends--does a great job of helping you understand the basics of the REI markets.

At 12 to 18 months of aging, I may look to cash out on this one.What are others seeing??

Everything I've purchased personally, including a recent 4-unit purchased last month, has been heavily cashflow negative initially and it usually takes a good amount of work to get it to cashflow or break even within a relatively short period of time....6-12 month approximately.