The PMC I left to start my own PMC had at least 2 "preferred contractors" related to key players in the office so high rates and poor service fell on deaf ears. 

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

Consider house hacking when rates and prices are a little more balanced with reality.I would prefer a duplex/triplex but I know getting into a single family home and renting out the rooms is more accessible .

., preferably with a great outdoor space.

(This is the tip of the iceberg; I would prefer to chat with members than fire lengthy messages back and forth.)1.

@David Lewis I prefer real estate over stocks due to taxes. 

Gita,At least the way I prefer to do things is to only run accrual based accounting activity on my day to day operations.

Everyone else I prefer they keep renting 😝

Love it.Best advice I can tell you is to prospect prospect, you must lead generate, meet people tell them what you do, preferably face to face, but also on the phone, online etc, albeit I prefer and spent most of my time on face to face meeting and conversation.

It simplifies the process since Zillow handles credit, income, and background checks for a small fee paid by the applicant.Background Check Services: If you prefer not to use Zillow, consider using services like MySmartMove or RentSpree.