Listen to the BiggerPockets podcast for expert advice, read books like "The Book on Rental Property Investing" and "Set for Life" by Scott Trench, and join local real estate investing groups or meetups.

The entire reason I hired a company is they are the experts and I expect them to take full accountability of making sure I am in the know and 100% compliant.

Just because you have a real estate license does not make you an expert.

The REA I was with previously didnt seem to think I was a very important customer...slow responses, non-specific answers to my questions, etc.  

Same with anyone who gets 20 experienced-backed responses to their question yet ghosts the thread. non response or proper thank yous on PM's have caused me to not do those anymore I might write one sentence but it is weird how common courtesy does not resonate  with so many people on SM or maybe just on this site..

Then when you're skilled up and confident you can take your remaining non-emergency, non-reserves cash and scale more aggressively. 

As mentioned, I would definitely seek out the advice of experts in those specific markets depending on where you decide to go. 

Considering a mix of long and short term rentals, with the STR’s being non-traditional structures targeting glamping clientele.

Cook , he's an expert on the mountain. 

Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.