Given everything you've shared, one key thing to consider is flexibility.

Then generally the best advice is to buy in the best area that you can afford, even if the cash flow isn’t as good in year one you will get more market appreciation in equity and rent growth in the better area.

This group is an incredible collection of midterm rental hosts who support one another by offering advice and suggestions, being a sounding board for each other, offering mentorship and collaboration opportunities and share our respective networks.

Piece of advice - when I started I wish I would have focused on my multifamily niche/expertise from day one vs trying to be the agent for everyone (flippers, STR buyers, land, etc). 

Only one was ever difficult. 

Not sure how many PMCs you've had bad experiences with, but we'll take exception to:"Then do a thorough research on tenant applicants (note: leaving this to a PM may be hazardous to your financial health)".BP seems to have more threads about screening mistakes by DIY landlords as opposed to PMCs.Now, if you'd have mentioned Maintenance, you'd get no argument from me:) Even the PMC industry acknowledges maintenance as one of the biggest challenges.Rereading my post, I kinda see how I sounded negative toward PMs.  

However, within three days of moving in, one family member reported experiencing asthma issues and mentioned an unidentified smell.

i’m looking for one as well if anyone has one. 

Ask your employer if you can have your pay split up into three deposits, one to investments savings, one to your checking account for personal use on a daily basis, and one to an emergency account you can tap into so you don't have to tap into your investment savings.

network network network. anywhere there is one in your area go and meet someone and follow up is key after that. there are many good apps to find local RE events