Try to start finding your core four (deal finder, lender, contractor, and property manager) in your chosen market.2) Figure out your chosen strategy and jump in!

I don't think a crash will happen but a correction is definitely overdue, judging from the Markets you have chosen all of them are tier 2 markets with pretty solid rental yields, with interest rates being low and with your buy and hold strategy right now will be a pretty good time to buy.

Why have you chosen AZ or TX?

As @Chrissy Arnold and @Jack Butala mentioned, marketing in the smartest and financially most efficient way possible will be your 80% activity in your chosen real estate strategy.

Right this minute, The Chosen One is making drastic changes that will make some businesses winners and some losers.

Will you be allowed an inspection period if your offer is chosen?

I am currently in a 5 year accounting program but real estate is the career path I have chosen.

@Steve K.I'm sure I would have doubled  or tippled my investment should I have chosen a different investment type, but I'm ok with the way things turned out.

Handy man can be good and bad they may charge less but the work may not stand the test of time .I am in KC too I have a list I use but they tend to work only for a few chosen folks too busy.I have used Steven Ferguson as general  contractor  ,he can do small jobs are a complete  rehab .I was very pleased  with his work, it will stand the test of time .Shoot me a message  if you would like his phone #.I do have a door, window ,siding ,general  carpentry  work man that is not  too busy.

Looking towards the future I decided about a year ago that real estate investing (REI) would be my chosen career path after I retire from the military.