Poke around online to see if any of those organizations are in the area.Thanksgiving through the end of January is the absolute slowest time of year for leasing properties.

During the short sale process, the buyer does not interact directly with the lender.

Plus, they handle online rent collection (a necessity if you don't have a property manager!)

Microsoft Excel, and most budget or free online bookkeeping isn't going to cut it in this situation.For the rental properties you own directly, I often tell clients and prospects that a P&L in Microsoft Excel is just fine and a balance sheet is not necessary for tax purposes. 

I remember the few experienced people I was able to speak with back in the day before online forums.

Andy Sirkin (fantastic legal team from SF) has a library of free online articles and a set of agreements to purchase, to help you on your way to become a Subject Mater Expert. https://andysirkin.com/article...Elizabeth and Christina (The Rental Girls) have done a great job pioneering the shared ownership (TIC's) model in Southern CA. 

If we have our own assignable contract, how does that interact with an agent using their standard contract?

Thank you  My recommendation is to sign up at paperstac, debexpert and some of the online sites that sell loans as well as join some fb groups on note investing as people push loans through there as well.

Thank for your help Connect with a great property manager or use one of the free online tools to estimate rents.

I have been pleased with it and not just tons of excellent info and resources, but great interaction along with accountability with the focus on taking action.