I completely understand the importance of maintaining a professional relationship with tenants, and I will definitely keep that in mind.To answer your questions, I am still working on narrowing down my price range, but I’m aiming for something budget-friendly as this will be my first purchase.

Over the next 6-12 months, keep building your savings, maintain that strong credit score, and dive into researching your target markets.

Well maintained 80's property, vintage condition units.

I have not been a very active alumni in the tribe the past few years, but still maintain a relationship with Rock and his wife Rose and see them and others at events.

If OP can lever-up while maintaining adequate reserves, he will be in better position than buying with heavy cash position.  

The Banks could have showed up and purchased through the sale, They could have maintained the property but chose not too.  

Have you ever had to maintain a property?

We have approximately 10,000 in septic testing and subdivision, and another approximately 10,000 in a tractor to maintain the building lots. 

You don’t have to be aggressive about it but maintaining friendly contact can go a long way.

Quote from @Chris Magistrado:The point he's making is that the agent must take responsibility for building and maintaining their business, and the Broker won't play much of a role.