It sounds like a big misunderstanding and I guess the learning lesson is for you to always to get an invoice from anyone doing work.  

First pro is you learn how to be a landlord and to manage properties and this is the best way to get started into real estate investing.

Lessons learned?

I am curious to learn from others as well  :)

Recommend 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.

I'm sure we can learn from each other so let's stay in touch!

Also looking to connect with local investors throughout the Lehigh Valley to learn, share our experiences, and partner up.

If you have a great investor agent, he'll be able to help with finding you personalized deals, helping you learn good/bad neighborhoods, estimating renovations/scope of work, setting you up with his team, etc.3.

Learn the trade at your door step and max.

We increased the rent slightly after the first 24 month lease and were able to recently increase the rent when the first tenant moved out.Lessons learned?