Home prices always reflect how desirable a neighborhood is. 

Real estate investing has been a passion of mine for time with my mother also having invested early on where I likely have gotten the love and desire to follow similar foot steps.I have taken last 6 months to educate myself and currently own a single family home as primary residence and would like to expand to multi family properties (2-4 units) for additional stream of income, not to mention potential tax benefits for long-term investing.Based on current living situation, I have a fair amount of equity established in my primary residency along with having enough cash to either pay off house completely or use towards investing in a multi family property.Given that I'm the sole source of income for our household with my wife being the home maker for our two kids under 2, trying to weigh out risks with getting started now or perhaps waiting. 

For the first few years, I would focus more on the experience you gain than the money you earn.

So I get your hesitation to be too demanding and your desire for the problems to go away as fast as they can, however since you have NO property manager ( I don't use one either), it is incumbent that you take a more ACTIVE approach with management of your property.Let's review your situation.  1st time leak occurred, you sent a plumber over to find the problem.  

Many, but not ALL are only focused on the commissions he/ she will earn and not focused, on your best interests.

Class A apartments have numerous amenities, professional management, and sit in desirable neighborhoods.

Then, with what they don't cash out, they can put into a centralized lending platform, and earn up to 8%.

If a wholesaler can still profit while provided “full disclosure” and adhering to the rules and regulations of real estate licensees then they’ve earned their profit.   

It’s great to be trusted with others hard earned capital but I only accept that responsibility because I KNOW I can do the job - that I have done the job over the years. 

Look for desirable areas and live just outside of it.