At the end of the project I started asking different questions to my realtor, who I still use.

When you are creating notes from the start with the intent to sale, you can also consider a 1st/2nd structure that can help you achieve similar results as a partial but start getting cash flow sooner. 

Each room will have a separate lease on it with a separate deposit following normal property management practices, and like you said, the leases have different start dates. 

In the end I refinanced THE DAY rates bottomed and they immediately started going back up.

 just start generating leads and start talking to people and when you’re not doing that educate yourself also hire a mentor just basically get active..

Starting with your wife and possibly your kids depending on age (for example, they can help clean between tenants, this starts  their education [Check with your accountant because you may be able to pay your kids and take a deduction].- - While you will do the lion share, can you take advantage of your wife's talents and availability?

This will help out tremendously when I start shopping for an agent.

Could you please suggest how I can start and what steps I should take?

I would start by listening to the podcasts, i especially liked the older ones!

Hello everyoneI am new here and want to get started in real estate.