I’ve watched a lot of videos on how to screen and how to set up work with contractors, so I’m hopeful to build those relationships more in this area in the future.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I suspect but dont know .. this has all the red flags of lenders to watch out for as in pump and dump due diligence schemes..

Watch the old classic "Pacific Heights" and you will never want to be a LTR landlord, at least in California lol. 

I listened to podcasts, watched YouTube, read blogs and tutorials and just decided to go for it.  

From watching the market and myself investing in Bryan/College Station, people are still renting out these properties nicely.They can be leased as a whole or rented by the room and are usually in great areas, close to the university, grocery stores, and restaurants.

You can spend your time in worse ways, like watching some silly movie. 

As you read these books, watch the BiggerPockets podcasts.

While it’s an affordable entry point with low maintenance, you need to watch out for high HOA fees, rental restrictions, and resale challenges.

I try to be in the luxury market and also try to steer away from young kids (my only real damage has ever occurred from them, or should I say parents that don't watch their kids, and they drive the people crazy in my community pool, again, because people don't seem to care to ensure their kids don't disrupt others).  

From watching YouTube gurus and listening to BiggerPockets podcasts?