Then, if you decide to explore a mentoring program, you will have the background knowledge to actually evaluate it and make an informed decision, and you'll be able to speak the language and ask intelligent questions.

The PM handles almost everything except the decision-making.Would it be rude or inappropriate if I communicated directly with the PM without involving my realtor?

I said that it was fine but that why should she allow someone else on the internet to make a decision for you? 

This decision increased our budget from $15K to $45K, but it turned out to be a wise investment.

I hope to hold as a LTR and believe in the area long-term.Some decisions will have to be made when this whole thing finally comes to fruition, especially regarding interest rates, insurance, assessments, etc, but hope to hold!

It takes them forever to sign documentation and make decisions.

I also probably wasn't as educated as I should have made myself, so I'm sure there were decisions that could have been handled better.Part of the reason I wasn't willing to deal with the hassles was because I had 3 young kids. 

We don’t want to find ourselves as a Jack of all trades and a master of none.

My piece of advice would be to make sure you have a great agent in your corner to help you assess the market, make informed decisions, etc. having a good agent can be day & nights difference when it comes to your experience.

A slightly higher upfront cost in a better area will likely yield better tenants and less hassle over time.Investing in McKinney is a great decision, but working with someone local who understands the nuances of the DFW market can help you identify the best opportunities.