I stumbled onto BP not too long ago and am just getting started in learning about real estate.

Joined Bigger Pockets recently & stumbled across your post.  

I stumbled upon IHDA down payment assistance programs for first time buyers and I am trying to get more information about this.

Just stumbled across bigger pockets a few months ago and can't get enough of the articles and podcasts!

Right now my major stumbling block is going to be finding a ridiculously awesome property manager where I want to invest in KC.

I'm a new member to Bigger Pockets after stumbling across a forum response to a recent real estate inquiry I did a quick web search on.  

My wife and I were originally saving for a down payment on a home before stumbling into this financial freedom world, and we are planning on using that money towards investing now.

However, I feel AJ's book is a little light on specifics, jumbled, and really a marketing tool to entice you to invest in his coaching.Stacy Rossetti is someone I recently stumbled across and she seems very credible: https://www.youtube.com/channe...She has a lot of free videos to whet your appetite, then she offers coaching, analysis tools, and can even help you locate your first facility.

Use a thin dense pad, avoids stumbles.

It might happen, you might stumble into a victory, sure, but as a game plan it's not very good at all.