There's a reason that people try to buy properties off-market and that is because you can find sellers who care more about terms than maximizing returns.So start with a conversation: you already presumably have some rapport since it's your landlord and you've spoken before.

Is there anyone in your local market you could take out to lunch who does flips?

In my market, I only have one vendor qualified for appliance warranty work, and the warranty companies paid him half his standard fee for each service call. 

Highly recommend partnering with a local realtor who knows the market. 

Try networking locally with HML's who know the market. 

Renting to a friend can complicate things, especially if you're starting below market rent.

Once you learn how to generate leads, marketing, negotiating, etc you can go be a solo agent.

I know a little about the phoenix market and agree it is growing. 

Facts will also change, I'll edit as appropriate.So.Quest Trust aka Quest IRA sold to Millenium Trust (now Inspira, ugh, did the Bud Light marketing lady get hired there?

You should start with a focus on a 2 unit multifamily property in a market that you can afford to get into.