Whenever you are buying a property out of state you should do a few things to ensure it's as smooth as possible.

Do I want to build a working relationship and transition into bigger deals down the road and use these smaller ones to test out the waters?

Everything went smooth and we were able to close 12 days sooner than the original closing date which was great!

Well a partner and I are looking to turn one of his properties into a transitional home to help the alcohol and drug abuse its a 4 bedroom and 1 1/2 bath I have no idea!

I am currently active duty in the USMC but will be transitioning out within the next several months.

I've personally found that the learning curve is much shorter as a new investor, if you are willing to put in the work to understand your local laws and tenant/landlord rights yourself and manage your first few properties yourself, before transitioning to a property management company.

Everything went smooth and we were able to close 12 days sooner than the original closing date which was great!

My fear chasing the homebuyer is I have to kick a solid rent paying tenant out at lease end, probably do some make ready, then live without rent while marketing and hope the sale goes smoothly.

It will be better for you as you transition from an assistant to an agent down the road. 

I have a connection that will allow me to smoothly transition into being a broker after 2 years (about a year after I graduate).