Late payments, property damage, and evictions are avoidable when you have a PM who knows how to find reliable renters.I encourage you to seek out a property management company that emphasizes tenant screening and uses modern tools for verification.

Yes to 15140 and thanks for the encouragement

At that time, my friend encouraged me to get into real estate with the idea of creating passive income and wealth in future (via appreciation).

There currently appears to be a flow of investors still buying and renovating properties in this area, which seems encouraging.

Also, thanks @Scott Trench for your sticky post in the new members forum; I was intimidated about posting here, but your post encouraged me to do it (and tag you)! 

Thanks for the encouragement! 

Best,Rebeccaps - @Scott Trench - thanks for encouraging newbies like me to introduce ourselves on this forum! 

I would go a step further and say there is a Thought-Cancer in US Society today that people feel there not only entitled to affordability, but that it's focused to and for THERE "affordability".

.: Great story and very encouraging. 

I would encourage you to read this beginners guide from BiggerPockets, it's a good bit of information so pick and choose what you want to read or read it all.