@Pat Aboukhaled can you recommend one of those investor meetups that you think would be good for a newbie like me?

If you are new and don't have a clue, then I would certainly recommend them or some company that can guide you through things until you have an understanding. 

Highly recommend (I require) collecting first month's rent prior to handing over keys.

If I have some cash do you recommend clearing the loan or invest instead for next property with proper planning ? 

My recommendation:  Punt. 

I recommend reaching out to 2-3 PMs and then using tools like Zillow and Rentometer to get a full picture.

I'd absolutely focus on quality over quantity here.My recommendation is to be diligent and narrow down your research of where based off why, let go of the regret & resentment and put some actionable forces into getting your first REI and doing what it takes to get to a 2nd without any compromise.

I would recommend that you get out to local meetup events, as that is where you will make the really deep connections to help you get rolling. 

@Jay Fayz for SFR (1-4 family) Classifications are mostly opinion-based.Not aware of anyone tracking eviction rates, except Evictions Lab nonprofit that doesn't like landlords.Here's some info that might helpt:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I would recommend getting with a CPA to go through your tax liability.