However, your best strategy is to become very proficient at screening candidates for tenancy and never allowing the kind of tenant who causes tens of thousands worth of damages to move-in in the first place.

When you only have 1, you never become a proficient landlord.

I figured I needed to speak to an attorney or CPA proficient in REI; however, I wanted to know if a LLC is a good route to take for a first time investor with a single unit, or should I wait until I establish more units?

@Samuel Jolicoeur Agree with everything aboveOne thing I would add though is that although covering a larger area is better for exposure, unless you truly understand each of the markets you're servicing, it's very difficult to be proficient in that large of an area, especially just starting out.

That book is an incredible snapshot into what it will take to be proficient at underwriting deals. 

For us it really comes down to how much work you are willing to do and what level of proficiency are you willing to maintain. 

You may find the Austin market is different, however I do think the strongest play would be to become an agent and use your skills to save you money working with a contractor.There are many details to being extremely proficient at this craft.

@Justin Franklin though I have not used her yet, Connae came highly recommended by my agent:https://nremg.com/I spoke with her over the phone and she seems extremely proficient.

And anyone who does less than 25 deals per year is not really proficient; unfortunately that's the majority of agents.People who disagree with me will state that they just got licensed and have closed their own deals without a problem.

If you have only 1 unit, you will never become proficient at managing the property or you will have to hire a property manager and learn how to manage them!