I am near the Nashville area so I am on the same boat upon learning more about the real estate industry, welcome!

Quote from @John Reagan Johnson: I am new to the real estate industry and am looking to connect and exchange businessIf you are new I would suggest something totally different. 

@Andy Ptak when jumping into the industry you have a few choices:1) Start at the bottom2) Leverage your experience to convince someone to give you a chance3) Decide between:--- Big companies who will usually start you at the bottom--- Small companies that will more like to a chance on hiring you for an above entry level position.

REI has the finest presentation in the industry in that regard I know when Chris walked me through a few years back I was VERY impressed and I have been around that industry since 2002.. 

I am committed to gaining knowledge and understanding the ins and outs of the industry.

Quote from @Gamal Harding: Anduril Industries' Expansion to Columbus: A Transformative Move for Real Estate InvestorsAnduril Industries, a prominent defense technology company based in Costa Mesa, California, has announced plans to establish a new manufacturing facility in Pickaway County, near Rickenbacker International Airport.

I am taking a salesperson license exam this year to get into the industry and use these commissions toward closing costs.

A public insurance adjuster works for YOU!

Quote from @Patrick Roberts: Im not sure if you're referring to Up-Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) or the mortgage insurance that is paid monthly, just called MI (Mortgage Insurance).

Not sure how many PMCs you've had bad experiences with, but we'll take exception to:"Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health)".BP seems to have more threads about screening mistakes by DIY landlords as opposed to PMCs.Now, if you'd have mentioned Maintenance, you'd get no argument from me:) Even the PMC industry acknowledges maintenance as one of the biggest challenges.Rereading my post, I kinda see how I sounded negative toward PMs.