If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

I am hoping to see how I can purchase another property without dipping into my personal funds.

I’ve been able to achieve financial freedom and create a better balance between work and personal life.

Yes, I've experienced this personally and many clients of ours have as well. 

A tenant complaining online might indicate that the property manager handled them appropriately, so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.7.

That could be a pro or a con depending on your personal feelings about being involved in your property management. 

How did you handle the transition from STR to LTR?

If it didn’t meet that criteria and also let me buy at 40% discount with only changing a door handle I didn’t want it. 

You definitely want a "like-minded" individual but you don't want that person to do the same tasks as you or its all just a big waste of time.

I think VA is a better market in terms of price growth vs MD, and a lot of my investor clients agree.In terms of local networks for mentorship/networking/guidance, there are two I know of in NoVa that I have personally been to:NOVA REI Meetups - they meet at Tysons Mall once a month.Cash Flow Breakfast Clubs - there are a few locations including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, etc.