Jeff, I don't have much direct landlording experience yet, as I focus on active (vs. passive) investing in single family, and my passive RE investments are truly passive, in apartments.That said, if you have kids and are focused on their educational attainment, school districts are another data point renters look at, along w/ other factors, to determine how much they'll pay and pick one property over another.BTW, I have a great rental home in Richland Hills (Birdville ISD) for sale.  

Also curious to know, whether you try to attain a greater profit than the Commission you would get as an official Listing Agent?

IMHO - I suggest you set your retirement goal at 5 years and go from there.I started using this method a few years ago and it has dramatically increased the velocity of my business and attaining goals.Just a thought.- it's always good to see another Hoosier utilizing this great site!

However, if your credit is solid and you have the W-2/ Tax return income to justify a mortgage, it is not impossible to attain bank financing.

Thank you for your advice @Brian Gibbons I have begun the process of attaining my liscence.

This might also give me the opportunity to have a contractor walk through the property as well, if I can find one.In my analysis, I've included what I think is an ample budget for repairs and rehab and the numbers still are within my targets (i'm planning on buying & holding).

I'm also not in a town that is dependent on one big employer and I plan to only keep rentals in nice neighborhoods/locations and buy them below market and do BRRR with ample reserves.Imagine relying on that 11% market return (7% reality) and have a financial crisis hit right when you need to retire and your portfolio value is cut in half.  

They have great jobs lined up at the local college with ample income.

That is where I would start, also this should give you a chance to mentor the PM and honestly evaluate if you want to use him going forward.If that goes well, tackling the remaining 2 properties in 5 or 6 weeks might be an attainable goal that would let you start to take a step back from the day-to-day.If you get irresistible deals faster than you can work them, you might consider wholesaling some of them.

T  I refuse to let this deter my goals of attaining more property.