The best way to learn about how to really invest in real estate is to read books, listen to good podcasts, and pair that with going to in-person meetups so you can see people just like you, married with 3 kids, who are making it work for them.

It seems like PSI has grown, a couple landscape companies that way either sold or partnered with PSI because these landscape companies no longer do snow removal and refer people to PSI.  

Does anyone have any advice for people starting out in this competitive field?

I didn't, and the people at Eagle Rock, who approved permits and necessary utility connections, were not very cooperative, which made the process more stressful than it had to be.I've seen lots listed on Zillow and the Aggressive Real Estate web site. 

You'll have a property manager do the management (so you being close to it is not needed).Yes there are risks for some people to go out of state but if you learn the techniques like I have, you'll see it's actually easier and far less risky.

On https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ you can also check the neighborhood crime and the percentage of people who rent compared to owning.

However I am not as savvy as many of the people on here.

For most people, they would be better off investing in a syndication or even a REIT. 

What would people recommend I pursue, commercial or residential broker? 

So I don't need to "ask people in Florida" about your theories. :)And you're entitled to your opinion.