I am incredibly excited and looking to get out of the rat race and I'd like to start utilizing real estate as my investment vehicle.I'm wondering if anyone could give me a couple of suggestions on this post.

Go look for another sucker.You are right about many contractors 'trying' to run the rat race with the ones that 'made it' with their built in pools, etc. 

BP influenced me to get out of the rat race, and into something I was passionate about. 

I've been interested in real estate investing since I was young, especially after working on the pit crew of a race team owned by a commercial real estate investor.My passions are racing and automobiles in general, music, and video games.My hobbies are expensive!

I am looking to connect with others who are passionate about their Real Estate business and looking to get out of the "rat race". :)Looking forward to meeting you!

Just like I think the majority of the human race are good people, most of my tenants are normal, reasonable, good people.In general, I don't think society thinks poorly of landlords and other REIs. 

It helps me hold on to the reasons I'm interested in the first place and keeps me motivated to escape the rat race!

And I, looking again, observed a bannerWhich, as it circled, raced on with such speedIt did not seem ever to want to stop.And there, behind it, marched so long a fileOf people, I would never have believedThat death could have undone so many souls.

Is there anything I need to be careful about other than obviously not discriminating against race / religion / nationality, etc?

They could be a freelancer, or an Attorney, CPA, etc Thats market drivenI would be careful on Water, it follows the house, you are responsible no matter what.Issue a lawn mower and shovel if thats the caseFineGive people a 3-5 day grace period.