My piece of advice would be to try to take advantage of as much free education as possible with podcasts, forums like these, YouTube, and other real estate investors.

I have never been able to utilize any DPA with any deal as of now, but it is fun to keep it as a possible tool for use in the right situation. 

You can use the Bigger Pockets management finder tool to look up MTR management companies in the area and then I have a few recs I can provide if you are interested.Shoot me a message if you would like to discuss further and I can help you strategize to make sure you make the best decision possible!

Next, press and negotiate to find what you can get for the longest commitment possible.

Quote from @Sabian Ripplinger: i want to possibly use hard money this year to grow quicker   and can you use them for new builds  who should i use and  any tips?   

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.

Quote from @Blair Ross Jr: Is it possible to purchase SFR or duplex rental with less then 15% out of pocket?

My plan for this year is improve my credit, get my real estate license (to increase my income on top of my W-2), possibly career transition into the property management space (to learn more), and save as much as possible and learn as much as I can.I’d love to house hack close to home but my area is so expensive it seems like it’d be close to impossible. 

I am going to put this as bluntly as possible:  Condominiums in the Smokies are not good investments.

Understood I made a bad move here as this was first investment so didnt think much except at the location for longterm growth or possibly I move there as part relocation.