In my opinion, the short answer to being successful, and I have said this before in this lengthy thread, get a clear understanding of your WHY. 

The fourplex next door went through a lengthy foreclosure process (before ultimately being renovated by a different investor) and became a home for squatters, suspected drug use, and many other challenges.

It's not ideal for real estate flippers, as it involves income qualification and has a lengthy closing process.

This can be a lengthy and complicated process, especially if the buyer doesn’t have perfect credit.

Thank you for your time with answering this lengthy post.

., and (3.) choose to rent quickly to the first person with $$$, rather than take their time to select the most qualified candidate even if it means having a lengthy vacancy.If you choose to self manage, you will need to know the landlord tenant laws in whatever jurisdiction you choose to invest, and have the backbone for this; otherwise, research and hire a top-notch management company to do this for you.I personally choose to self manage (small portfolio) and keep a stellar eviction attorney on retainer for all the reasons @Greg Scott mentioned.Good luck!

I only finished one entire section (out of six) and took the lengthy and tricky practice exam and final exam (for that one section). 

They broke that contract by giving bits of useful information, but not in a take-home form and hours of:-- Tony Robbins knock-off, change your life rah, rah, positive thinking talks--Would-be actor impressions and dancing from the stage--Political, state of the economy reports (this was especially offensive if one did not share those views and if you have read a newspaper or listened to any news in the last year)-- Lengthy personal stories--short is OK--over an hour and more not relevant--AGAIN and again and again selling of the program which took hours of time--this was incredibly irritating.

You went from Scott using the word "guys" to this lengthy diatribe? 

At times testimonials and the BBB logo help.Be Careful with expressing condolences, identifying problems and lengthy titles.