I am looking to join a mentorship program to help lower my learning curve and until I find it, I am educating myself with books, as well as YouTube University and great advice from the BiggerPockets community.I do work full-time in a career that I love and is very rewarding, but I also know I won't attain my goals with my current job.

I highly recommend a well-qualified REALTOR who works with investors and knows how to help you best.7.

Residential investing is not rocket science, knowledge is not the issue: there are many good books out there that walk you through every detail you need to know.

Dominic, I've found that participating on BiggerPockets forums, appearing on podcasts, and speaking at conferences have built trust with first-time passive investors when those forum posts, podcast discussions, and conference presentations show my experience, track record, and market knowledge to those reading, listening, or attending.This doesn't mean "selling from the stage", but instead, sharing actionable, useful information that I've gleaned from my many years of experience and from my own research. 

@Zach Lemaster and his team was super helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable which ensured a super smooth purchasing process!

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

If you can find an investment that pays for itself, you won't be so nervous about investing.I also recommend you educate yourself on how to manage well.

To add value to the property, we undertook extensive renovations including the removal of over 40 yards of trash, installation of a new septic system and wall-hung boiler, and a new well pump.

Would like to be more hands off as well.

Well, STR can work well for people who own a vacation house for personal use, and just want to generate some extra income when not in use.