Spreadsheet sounds like my own personal hell.

@Jill KellerI personally owned and managed several rental properties, mainly one family, 3-families and been advised by a number of attorneys through the years to forget doing LLC's.

The new person must complete an application and pass the screening.

I personally wouldn't hold a property without it.

Offered to intern/work for him at half the pay as his personal assistant if he would teach me everything he knew.

The only thing that keeps me from owning a house for my personal use is the baggage it comes with like maintenance, time and overhead costs.But I understand It'll cut costs and is something I should really think about.Thanks

instead, why not find a market 1-2 hours away where you can be hands-on / in-person?

I would personally use some of that equity and get started with your first property.

If you feel the need for in-person mentorship, reach out to prominent local investors and try and strike a deal to learn from them.

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.