So ok, here ya go, I started the journey for ya with the simple google search below, how about ya take me up on the advice and digging deeper to find out the reality and how wrong whatever BS source of opinion you were using was (it was MSNBC wasn't it....)

Im hoping to make it bigger than just a simple class project so Im seeking to learn from the best sources possible.Here are a few questions, but feel free to share anything that comes to mind:What property management software do you currently use?

This would become a passive income source since you aren't listing the property, hosting open houses, etc.Another option would be to wholesale the deal.

They can help you navigate local tax obligations based on your income sources and property ownership.While taxes are definitely a factor, don’t let them be the only one.

@Josh WellsRecommend 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.

His theory is a paid off mortgage on your primary, $500k in liquid assets, and more than 1 source of income (real estate, social security if of that age, retirement, part time job, etc.). 

My primary source of deals has been wholesalers, but the numbers just haven’t been aligning lately.

You might hate flipping over running a GC business but I would not kill your income source. 

Do you source off-market properties?

I would like to be able to respond to messages, schedule tours, etc, within the source site to keep it contained, not via text/email.