I'm right there with you! 

I’m not out to waste anyone’s time, and I realize that’s probably about right for an hour of an attorney’s time in my area, but I’m just looking for a bit more info on the attorney’s background to see if it’s a good fit.

Honestly, making the right decision to sell and allocate it somewhere with higher returns is even more difficult than buying.

When problems arise (and they will) take your time to solve them.That's if you're dead set on starting right away.

I recommend Jim Pfeifer's Left Field Investors.

I decided against making an offer at the time as it wasn't right.

The Midwest market is absolutely on fire right now!

Since you are house hacking, I doubt you will do all of the repairs right away (I never did when I house hacked).

Even retirees get raises to their Social Security and usually pensions as well.  1/2) I rent from my brother in law right now a 3br/1b for $1,300 and that is considered very cheap for Connecticut.  

I would recommend Mike right now, as he is battling liver cancer and could use any new business possible to help him out with his expenses.