Learn how to analyze the market the property is in. 

@Daniel LangRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Trying to learn and figure out how to get started.

I know there is a lot that I'm going to need to learn, and ultimately it will come down to how much the student puts into it.  

Negative cash flow and extended vacancy.RTR’s property management recommendations have been disappointingRTR team has been supportive and informative over the last 7 monthsAs a first time investor, I was thrilled to learn about RTR.

Focus on networking and learning from experienced investors—you're already ahead of 99% of people your age, so stay consistent and take action!

Lessons learned?

With no experience or funds to get going on this solo (currently a bartender), my thought was to join someone who is already doing it and learn along the way.

Looking forward to networking and learning from you all.

Quote from @Devin James: Im currently learning this lesson with New Builds that have taken twice as long to complete than anticipated.....Finishing a Real Estate project ASAP is critical because...1) Holding Costs add up quickly- Loan Interest- Property Taxes- Insurance2) Investor Capital- Our financial projections are dependent on how fast we can turn our investors capital.