It's interesting that many of these VC-backed PMC's, despite having 10k+ properties under management, aren't doing well financially - one of them just merged with another industry-related company also not doing well.Just for fun, here's a partial list of PMC expenses that owners pretend don't exist:Office rentComputers, printers & softwareInternet & phone billOffice furnitureOffice supplies: paper, postage, ink, etc.Office liability insuranceAuto expenses: monthly payment, insurance, gas, maintenance, registration/plate feesBroker license fees: annual, monthly board & MLS fees, continuing education fees, E&O insuranceEquipment: lockboxes, signs, etc.Business income tax preparation and paymentsStaff payroll & payroll taxes Time Tasks: answering phones, calling past due tenants, scheduling tours, taking marketing pics, processing those pics, writing ads, researching rent amounts, posting ads, explaining to owners how rent determined & showing where ad posted, opening & processing mail, posting payments, bank deposits, scanning documents & posting to owner & tenant portals, explaining accounting to owners so they understand their monthly statements, taking pics/videos of repairs, finding reputable handymen and contractors, confirming they're properly licensed & insured and tracking annually, verifying repairs done properly, processing invoices for utility bills, repairs, taxes, city inspections, scheduling periodic property evaluations/inspections with tenants that don't want strangers in their homes, explaining to owners why something is taking so long, and more & more & more...OBSERVATION: many owners only want to pay a flat fee or 50% of a month of rent as a leasing fee - without realizing the repercussions. 

Paying for education is vital, mentorship can go both ways, only you know if you will take action.

Bonneville CountyAverage Purchase Price: $380,000Average Rental Price (3-bed home): $1,700/monthKey Highlights:Home to Idaho Falls, a regional economic hub.Diverse economy with strong healthcare, education, and energy sectors.Steady population growth and increasing rental demand.5.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

@Britney RossI’ve been in the RE business for over four decades now.Most of that time spent in the single family brokerage and investing world.Several years ago, I made the decision to transition from SFR to multifamily.Despite decades in the industry I felt the need to educate myself about MF.I paid for an intense 2 week education program and then a 3 month mentorship.Trust me, it was worth it.During the mentorship, I acquired a 43 unit property with the help of my mentor.Fast forward 4 years later, I am in a General Partner in 1000 units worth $130M.So for me, it was money well spent.You didn’t mention where type of investing you wanted to do.If it’s MF, you are going to need partners and help.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

It sounds like you're in a strong position to start your real estate investing journey, especially with your solid income, educational background, and detailed research.Focus on the first step of defining goals and strategy.

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

For the course I'm looking into, they not only present some educational materials, but AFAIK also offer their resources in each market (i.e. lenders, PMs, inspectors, etc..).

What I did have was some knowledge, a little bit of experience, a business education, and what used to be called “common sense”.