Detroit is slowly falling off the map and has been for decades...this isn't changing, Phoenix is next level...high growth and rapid appreciation...i.e. unaffordable...and Plano is not really an option unless you are looking at serving affluent tenants...I think Columbus is head and shoulders above any of these markets...it's arguably the premier investment destination in the US right now.

I would attend all those REIA meetings in your area, rub shoulders with the go getters and start your goals ASAP.Save your money and work on your credit. 

Of course, you need to read BP's terms in regards to ownership of information posted on BP and copyright rules.No big head on my shoulders!

Finding a property management company that you can trust with your investment can be a weight off of your shoulders and provide "mailbox" money to you without you having to lift a finger (except for when you have to grab that money from the mailbox).The cost of property management services varies, but any great trustworthy property management company can outweigh the cost substantially by providing you with time-saving services that handle the day-to-day operations of owning a rental investment property.

I think if you explore the team option, you will find it can give you what you want without much of the overhead on your shoulders.

Instead, bring up different things that you are ready to do and then commit to doing it with no intention other than the ability to rub shoulders/learn.

Twinkle angels sitting on your shoulder giving advice? 

To me 10% of rents to PM seems like it would be a weight off my shoulders, but I also have trouble justifying the expense for the limited amount they do when things are going smoothly. 

@Nikita Sharma not yet but it passed at the end of Aug just before rent was due so we'll see how Oct goes, I agree proof should be required and the legislature should not make citizens shoulder the responsibilities of others without compensation.

Furthermore, the advice about what I should do even if it doesn't meet the 1% rule took a lot of weight off my shoulders. average rent from the last three comps comp 1: 2/1  rent: 950comp 2: 2/1 rent: 992comp 3: 1/1 rent :1,025In response to curiosity.- The reasoning behind converting it to a 2/2 came about when I walked the home. being that the home doesn't have a large floor plan the third bedroom ate up a lot of space.