Generalists tend to get erratic sales here and there.Residential working with home owners is more of an emotional component versus investors is more about the numbers.

Quote from @Tannia Castro: I would say the key would be to narrow in on an area (this could be a city if you are not from that area and investing remotely), or this could be a part of the city (some local streets) if it is in your backyard.

I think the key to getting a good start in REI is finding a way to have a high 9 to 5 income and using a good portion of it  invest in your real estate endeavors. 

If you go RBTR, here are a few key criteria I've seen to assure comfort of living and lower vacancy / turnover:- at least 400sqft per tenant and no more than 2 tenants to 1 full bath -excess parking where folks aren't blocking each other in and you're not getting complaints from your neighbors about overtaking the street parking.

If you want to use a retirement account to invest in real estate the key is to avoid the tax and withdrawal penalties.

That's the key component that is usually missing when I hear other entrepreneurs/investors say they don't like QBO.Something else to keep in mind is your entity structure and how your entities file tax returns.

This knowledge is key.

Quote from @Tod DuBois: Another Furnished Finder POT cancelled on me after I went out of my way and paid to review them on Key Check and signed up for Key Check contracts, made two contracts, allowed a pet and still, two days before the check-in, they did not sign.

The location is key, with easy access to transportation, parks, and the rich cultural heritage of the area.

That pragmatism will help you mitigate risks as you understand the different components of managing rentals