Don't buy a bad deal.Networking Opportunities: The EdmontonReal Estate Investors Association and the Mogul Mastermind are my go-to monthly meet-ups in Edmonton.

It also seems like the leads may pile up too high for me to handle sorting out the bad from the good leads. 

I know your market and know that $2750 isn't bad for a space in Berkeley, but it depends on the space.

If you just hire the cheapest or first PMC you speak with and it turns into a bad experience, please don’t assume ALL PMC’s are bad and start trashing PMC’s in general.

(whatever it is you use).Some people borrow against their personal residence with a HELOCK for this needed cash, but I've seen those go bad in several instances, and the results were not very pleasant for the borrower.In many instances working a second job can allow you to set aside cash, or you might inherit it, or find a cash filled partner.But the bottom line is, initially your success is measured by how much cash you have to invest.And be careful of Hyperbole.Good Luck!

And on top of it, you have a life insurance to protect your family in case of early demise.If it was so bad, why would so many sophisticated investors using them?

Ill make money on it at almost any price point but if I cant get asking I guess I got another rental, which isn't too bad of a thing.

Wis Dells is a prime location for STRs to be eventually banned or very highly regulated given the large resorts with deep pockets and a lot of influence. 

How bad does this get?

Easiest way to learn (good & bad) about real estate investing is living in a MFR and renting out the other units!