Love the technology part - it can be such a distraction.

He made his money with 0% vacancy because his property was directly across from the university while other landlords had more difficulty in finding placements for their units.

If you wait until the last minute, you will have difficulties getting a resolution in time.

Some people have difficulty keeping bank accounts, because they don't track funds and overdraft, so they get closed.

I quickly realized that this "getting your first deal" thing would be more difficult I thought (haha).

I think the reason why you're hearing it more and more now is because of technology and the time we are in. 

For sure I will not let them work on the rental.Talking about repairs, I am constantly having difficulty finding good contractors and when I do find one, they move out of the area (or get big projects that they have no interest in residential projects).

Sellers in this situation include: Homeowners who have had difficulty selling on their ownHomeowners with financial difficulties like pending foreclosure that necessitate a quick dealLandlords ready to part with assets in disrepairLenders with too many foreclosure properties on their booksRegardless of how you find them, the key is the profit potential.

@Thomas StaubYou can do a lot of what a PM company does with technology.

(including TENANTS MAINTENANCE)https://www.biggerpockets.com/hubs/business-operations (and the sub section on REAL ESTATE MARKETING TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY TAXES & ACCOUNTING LEGAL TEAM)One way or another you will pay your "real estate tuition" - either in time, effort or money.