Just like professional athletes who still work with coaches to hone their skills, a real estate mentor or coach can provide you with valuable insights, shortcuts, and strategies that can help you avoid mistakes and fast-track your success.

The final straw was just last week when tenant randomly attacked my competency in my professional career.

Again, large commitment of time, patience, and ability needed.The amateur of “semi pro” investor should realize that the professional investors (such as myself) spend ALL DAY EVERY DAY doing the above.  

Hello, I have a primary residence and about $10k in bad debt (not including car note, student loans and a small medical bill).

My name is Anthony and I am currently a full-time healthcare professional. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

FidelFidel,When I saw your question I got interested as most Canadian investors are rather running away (or pausing) from investing in RE in Canada.But to help in your journey, here's what I can share mostly from either my personal experience or discussion with relevant professionals. 

I have a couple of friends who have several rental units in Gettysburg and said the rents are good and he has many professionals who stay for a good amount of time and pay on time.  

I'm not as good a professional but the work I did was mostly good enough for us to live in, and the small fixes to make it good enough for renters has been worth trying to do it myself.

Readers should seek professional advice.