It's all rather standardized. 

In the meantime, I would like to gain experience through employment with an existing real estate or property management company.Is there anyone out there that can provide me with some good advice/guidance as to the best and most practical route to achieve that goal?

I truly think I only need 4 more houses to hit my goal and then shift from buying to paying them off.I am not sure if I am thinking about this the right way and I am sure there are things I am not thinking about but below are my thoughts:Pros - I can purchase the houses I need to hit my goal faster - With getting homes fasters the depreciation, tax benefits, amortization, appreciation, rent increases all start sooner - Home prices on average should be lower now then if I buy in 4-5 years - I can take better advantage of leverageCons - I have more risk until I pay the properties off - Less upfront cashflow - Longer timeframe to acquire the properties to reach my goalIf anyone has any opinions or advice I'd love to hear it.One thing to consider is the more of one’s own money you use, the more you can be lax and lazy with the deal and your standards.

The buyer completely takes over the original loan for all legal, tax and practical purposes.

Looking at this mathematically, if you assume a 50% non-renewal rate (industry standard) and use the low end of the range of $5,000 per non-renewal, there is a loss of $50,000 per year on a 20 unit property.

Best Practices for Finding a PartnerWhat are the most effective ways to find a solid investment partner?

Quote from @Alecia Loveless: @Jonathan Bombaci I think a good lawyer that has passed the bar to practice in two states is going to be more expensive than $200,000.

Reason why is because FDIC Bankers "Do Not" charge points on traditional programs like primary homes, standard investment purchase and refinance, Second home/vacation homes.Lenders, Brokers all charge points to meet their Loan officer compensation plan (commission).

These are non-standard setups.

Or try the reverse - rehab a property to Class A standards in a Class D neighborhood and try to get a Class A or B tenant to rent it.Unfortunately, many newbie real estate investors are jumping into buying affordable Class C rentals - expecting Class A results.