The stock market, gold, Bitcoin, and most real estate are all at all-time highs.

It will take time.3) Property management companies, chamber of commerce meetings, local commercial RE brokers, etc are all additional options to network and find people who do deals.

I am considering the pros/cons of doing this without a property manager or real estate agent. 

Management & Leasing FeesManagement Fee: 10% of the monthly rent = $180/monthLeasing Fee (Tenant Placement): 60% of one month’s rent = $1,080 (one-time)Lease Renewal Fee: $250 per lease renewalUpfront & Annual FeesOnboarding Fee: $350 (one-time for setting up the property)Annual Administrative Fee: $45 per year (for statements and 1099s)Reserve Fund Requirement: $300 (held for maintenance and expenses)Maintenance & RepairsOrdinary Maintenance: Any repair costs exceeding $300 require owner approval.Emergency Repairs: Up to $300 without prior approval; HVAC, plumbing, and electrical repairs can go up to $500 without approval.Home Warranty Claim Handling: $40 per claim (if applicable).Multiple Quotes Request Fee: $100 per request if you require multiple vendor quotes.HVAC Filter Supply Fee: $195 per year per HVAC unit.Repairs & Improvements: 10% markup over vendor invoice cost.Additional FeesInterest on Unpaid Sums: 10% late fee with a $39 minimum per month.Paper Check Administrative Fee: $20 per check if not using direct deposit.Insurance Documentation Penalty: $40 per month if proof of insurance is not provided.Eviction Protection Program (Optional): $15/monthProperty Damage Protection Program (Optional): $25/monthTermination FeesEarly Termination Fee: Equal to the management fees for the remaining lease term.Vacant Property Termination Fee: $500 if no tenant is in place.Transfer to Another Manager: $500 file transfer fee. 

There is a lot of variability in this answer and, like all things in real estate, it simply depends. 

You might be able to look for #2 and #3 and do 2 at the same time.

Quote from @Yianni Hahalis: I'm looking to move to Cleveland within the year and get my foot in the door with real estate.

To thrive in real estate investing, you must maintain a firm grip on your finances.

It was like paying for multiple Master's degrees to get our "real world" experience.  

I wouldn't consider buying real estate if I didn't have $160K cash in hand.