Other distractions include non income-producing activities - aka any distraction pulling you to do something other than speaking with and following up with people.How can I prepare myself?

You are much better of preparing for the worst case scenario and adjusting your strategy accordingly.  

I really wished I would've read this commentary within the first 3 days of buying my $500.00 worth of materials to prepare me for the 3 day Seminar.

Also, Investors need to be prepared for and understand if there are additional costs that come with foreclosures, such as water bills, and potential fines for property upkeep.

I'm skeptical but I'm willing to test the water to something small first.

Alternatives include Stessa (free) and Buildium (more robust, pricier).For testing, a phased approach is generally best.

I'm genuinely asking to understand the use case for my self for an individual investor.Re. balance, as someone who is a former CPA and has prepared financial statements for multi-billion $ funds, I understand the important of a balance sheet.

A smart seller will have note, deed of trust/mortgage/etc. prepared by a local real estate attorney (yes, he/she may work with/at the title company) and be sure the security instrument is properly recorded in the land records. 

Ask your property manager to prepare a staffing plan which would show how they would staff the property and what the salaries would be. 

The trust preparer suggested we put our rental properties into the trust as they are currently owned personally.