I'm learning that quickly the more I dig into things, thanks for the honesty!

Then later on purchase homes with cash (single family homes), I would like to learn how to read the market and know where a state or city is thriving but also learn where it's not.

It's always inspiring to see fellow real estate professionals who are passionate about learning and sharing insights.Phoenix is a vibrant market with plenty of opportunities.

When I'm driving and see a property I may be interested in learning more about, I text myself the address or a picture.

There SOW would usually be - 'I want a remodel done on the kitchen and bath, and add a new bedroom on the left side of the house'...Then I would add items that only a GC would know about or notice, like needing new headers for the openings they want, the elec panel being undersized, or the roof being suspect, etc...Together we would then arrive at a comprehensive SOW.Yes, that is much better scenario.

It's an amazing place to learn and grow in real estate.

I've learned something in every one of them. 

@Dwight HenningRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I am learning a lot about the business that, had I not gone through this process, I wouldn’t have learned nearly as much.

Quote from @Ryan Daulton: Since learning that cash flow from real estate that was purchased from self-directed IRAs is taxed, and that I would not be able to claim depreciation on this property, what are the advantages to buying real estate with self-directed IRAs vs. other investment types like stocks and mutual funds?