Just stick to the process, if you are not committed to diligently screening your tenants, and not allowing exceptions you will not succeed or be happy.

Cash Flowing, learning the process on closing a deal was great and the upkeep/PMing part of the job is something I also find important to learn before thinking of scaling!

Have you processed a claim with them yet?

My aim is to not only profit financially but to gain in the process some intangible assets, such as project management skills, getting to know reliable professionals (i.e. realtors, contractors, designers, etc.) for the long-term, getting acquainted with the local market's promises and pitfalls, and basically adding some entrepreneurial muscle going into my next project.My strategy is to go small: find a second-hand apartment in a good location (I don't have enough funds for a GREAT location...); no more than 60-70 m2 (that's about 650-750 f2) to, among other things, lower renovation costs; 1-2 bedrooms, street facing and with a lift (if said apartment is above the second floor); with good bones, i.e., needs only partial renovation.

The hiring process costs the employer a lot of money and if you don't think you will be a good fit, it is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your employer.

I would also love any advice on anything to do with the home buying/investing process.

We would love to help guide you through the process. 

Ben, I hope some of these thoughts help your decision making process.

The licensing process alone won't filter out the less dedicated individuals; it's the work that truly matters.

I would recommend either calling them up or going to the website and checking out the general process for landlords as well as requesting an inspection checklist so you already know what they're going to be looking for.