Do you mainly rely on driving for dollars, online platforms, or networking with other investors? 

I'm looking at the asset and RE as a store of wealth (as part of my overall investment portfolio) to pass onto my kids.

No, they have a deep understanding of their customers and place stores where the customers want to shop to maximize sales and profits.

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

Joe These days a lot of local governments have the records online.

Why would someone with years of experience hop onto an online forum just to mess with you?

Haven’t heard of this company but most of these companies prey on people who dont spend a few minutes to search online.

I came across an online course professing that you don’t need to visit or live near the properties you manage.

Two store fronts and two apartments. 

Go to Etsy and search for "rental property tracker," and you will find hundreds of nice spreadsheets to track 10-20 rentals, usually for under $10.Software has extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button, and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.