Your drive to learn and network will be invaluable as you explore creative strategies that maximize returns and minimize upfront costs.Feel free to reach out, ask questions, and share experiences this community is a great resource for learning and connecting with like-minded investors.

If you don’t mind me asking, how long did it take you to officially get going with investing?

Once I had a few in mind and was working with a realtor that understood my target market, we could narrow down my search results. 

I will keep this in mind while figuring out financing options.

It'll give you peace of mind. 

Quote from @Andrea Lee: Hi Karl, do you mind passing on the recommendations you received?

Thought didn't cross my mind he might have bought it planning on developing it with out the obvious DD. eeeekk!

Yeah that was in the back of my mind as well - is the list I'm paying for being sent to other people as well?

Keep in mind that you will be running a business at this point, not simply renting out a house. 

You should negotiate with the landlord that you don't mind taking care of small repair items such as tighten screws, drywall and paint repairs.