You have the ability to do all of this directly through a single IRA. 

I have experience using DSCR loans that calculate the STR revenue to purchase smaller single family homes.

Or can recommend a great property mgmt company in Houston area for both single family and small multis?

This year all the 1% rule Single family homes that I bought were because of something the seller did not want to do.

Iwhen underwriting we also want to know the exit strategy of the borrower to make sure they are not limiting themselves to a single exitExcellent!

Up to now I've put my money into the stock market and I'm looking into diversifying into real estate as well.My current goal (assuming I decide to move forward) is to actively start in a year or two by buying a single modest place as a long-distance investor.

Yes, this will be an entry level job, but it gives you experience, gives you income to be able to even start buying single family rentals, if you want, gives you connections in the industry (not always investors, but people you may need later on).  

the success or failure of every single step of every single project is on you.

It’s a popular way for new investors to dip their toes into real estate because it allows you to generate rental income while reducing or even eliminating your monthly mortgage payment.While house hacking can be done with single-family homes (by renting out rooms), multifamily properties, such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, take the concept to the next level.

What type of property and where would you leverage this toward, Single Family, Multi Family, Commercial, Mixed Use, Land...?