Changing careers can certainly be a challenge, but it sounds like you're equipped with a solid foundation thanks to your sister's support.

In the past when I am looking for a property manager I google to find all managers with physical offices in close proximity to my properties to narrow my search and ignore all sponsored adds that fake that they are local.Since you have self managed, you will be better equipped to "manage the manager".

Quote from @Chris Mason: They have simulators for heavy equipment operators: bulldozer, backhoe, etc.

With these 3 theoretical deal analyses, hopefully ,I'll then be better equipped to jump into my first real deal. 

Can $25k in more marketing or equipment or staff increase your profitability even more?

It’s different down here.  

What is the best overall water metering company you have found when it comes to ease of installation, reliability, and the cost of the equipment and monitoring?

big difference

I've gone through 4 different ones in the past 4 years and I've finally found a good one.

Landlord had to move to a different state to have better access to healthcare, i.e. did not move by choice per se.