Bonus points if they could set me up with a LOC!

I also have set up a couple checking accounts for each property as well.

I started by setting aside a percentage of my income every month, treating it like a non-negotiable expense.

Develop a clear set of criteria for onboarding clients and stick to it.

If you didn't want to be bound by the terms of the loan, which is set forth by the written loan agreement and mortgage documents (and not what your loan officer told you), you shouldnt have agreed to the terms and taken the loan - you shouldve gotten a different loan.

Research local market rates to set competitive rents, and consider offering utilities or furnishings to attract tenants.

Teach an introduction to real estate class with in a high school setting!

We found that we were often outbid by novice investors or that the bank set a reserve price so high we couldn't make the numbers work.

As your base level of knowledge grows, you will start to develop a clearer picture on the things you want to do, and where you skill sets lie, which can narrow down who you may want for partner.  

They employ 3rd-party people to handle your property and rarely have a second set of eyes checking for underlying problems.