The ability to take action can be both brave and foolish. 

Let’s turn ideas into action!

But the most important thing is breaking out of the paralysis analysis stage and taking action!!!

So, in your considerations, I would park right there for a bit and determine how this would look for you.Since you have about 2.5 years to think about it before you would need to spring into action to take advantage of the rollover for tax advantages, maybe you try on a rental and see how it fits. 

.- Who better to show the house and speak positively about than a current tenant?

These small, individual actions lead to big impact.

The utility company missed an appointment and no communication from them or action to even reschedule.

I will assume positive intent here that this is not the experience you intend for your customers.

Dominic, I've found that participating on BiggerPockets forums, appearing on podcasts, and speaking at conferences have built trust with first-time passive investors when those forum posts, podcast discussions, and conference presentations show my experience, track record, and market knowledge to those reading, listening, or attending.This doesn't mean "selling from the stage", but instead, sharing actionable, useful information that I've gleaned from my many years of experience and from my own research. 

To wait until, the actions of others, made things look "cheap".