Then, I guess I would try to talk to tenants and find out any pains they may have and then upon solving these problems and gaining some good will, get in and get new leases signed with some upward rent movement.

There are benefits to going both directions.

Look forward to learning from others and helping more as a I gain more experience!  

He's an agent at a firm up there, and knows Loudon really, really well - his expertise, both in the area and the business - might be a benefit if you haven't made a decision yet.

The main benefit is that you don't have your cash tied up for 6 months waiting for the property to season.

One of the awesome benefits of commercial real estate compared to residential.  

I will never do anything illegal to gain financial security.

Then, I'd like to own several rental properties once I gain some more CashFlow.

I'd like to identify a property, gain approval from a lender, and make an offer on the property.

Not onky that but you can hold on to the cash flow properties till they are paid fully for your retirement so its a short term and long term benefit for both of you guys!