Eventually, I’d like to start using the cash flow to pay myself and work toward replacing my day job income.

I do relatively well in my day job by today's standards but my hourly rate for self managing is closer to that of a surgeon. 

The most useful switch I made was from a vendor who kept insisting the water was fine (it wasn't and no, the chemicals didn't just need more time) to a true pro who doesn't gouge us for maintenance and does a consistently great job.

A client of mine recently invested there and raves aboutt the ease of finding solid contractors who stick to the budget.One piece of advice: before jumping into any market, spend time understanding the local economy, demand drivers (like job growth and population trends), and the landloard laws.

Hey, awesome job building equity and renovating your place!

Also, what niche jobs in real estate (Agents, appraisers, house inspectors, lendors, ect.) are going to be replaced eventually?

I’m in the process of managing 18 units and have a full-time job.

This agreement is just like a listing agreement when you go list a home, you are hiring the right person for the job, so this is the same type of contract, but this person is hired to find you the right home. 

I was an electrician for over 20 years with my last electrical job being shop foreman for a custom electrical control panel shop and UL 508 specialist.

Quote from @Brendan Jones: For the homes, and or properties that you will use as a primary or a rental property one big thing I look for is infrastructure in the area, extrinsic value (I.e. hospitals in the area, schools, and job market), and the last thing is creature comforts for people (I.e. is a store to get groceries 1 hour away or 2 minutes away).