Also, obtaining a more attractive debt to income ratio is something that I've also identified as a potential hurdle I will need to overcome in my early years, but it does not seem to be an impossible task. 

Hopefully he has also seen you deliver at work, and your willingness to roll up your sleeves and take on a task, without hesitation.many potential investors show up at meetups but fail to follow through or even have a plan.I'd suggest you take this further by developing a business plan and goal setting. 

Roughly calculate your hourly comp rate for last year, estimate hours per project tasks, a rough calculation for getting to your "number" then decide how much leverage you have to ask for it as guaranteed fees vs. risk as profit sharing contingency, etc.

The most difficult task I foresee for myself is just finding a tenant, screening, showings, and placing the tenant in the home as I'll be living about 1.5 hours away (2+ hours pending the Los Angeles traffic) and work a full time job.

This contractor had a very specific task that they essentially defined. 

Not to burst your bubbles, but finding a 4-plex is a bit of a task in A-town. 

It seems that it takes the headache out of a lot of the daily monotonous tasks. 

There are also specialty tradespeople who have skills in specific tasks like plumbers and electricians.

With that said, my 2019 goals are as follows: 1.Develop and prefect operational systems that allow me the time to focus on tasks best suited to my strengths2.Own and operate 500 units3.Synchronize my brokerage, property management, construction and flip companies 4.Put together my first large multi-family syndication5.Help a newbie establish themselves in real estate6.Invest in a new asset class, such as tax liens or non-performing notesThank you to everyone at Biggerpockets.

However, a wayne conversion burner and a guy who understands how to change the burners will accomplish your task.