Everything I have read and learned says to pay off credit cards on time and to a zero balance since that is the point of credit and how you show you are financially responsible.

@Lloyd PreeceRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

However if they do and they have an attorney, you very well might lose and learn some lessons from the opposing counsel or the JP or both. 

Or a solo 401(k) since that won’t have ubit on leveraged real estate. learn more here:   Solo 401(k) SDIRA

In exchange I was hoping this could be a learning opportunity to help pave the way and set me on the right track for when the time comes after high school to purchase my first investment property and start the snowball.

I am currently taking a course for a real estate license ( I know, different and not really necessary for real estate investing) for the sole purpose of commitment and telling myself that if i sign up for it, I am obligated to learn it, take in as much information as possible, and make a career for myself.

And you would be learning the trades that will help you in the RE journey too.Think of it like this - in the 4 years you'd spend in college, you could already have a couple properties.....

Excited to learn and connect with you all!

It's important to learn how to analyze deals, understand the market, figure out financing, and find partners.

Happy to share everything I've learned.