Do a lot more Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Or are the lenders wanting to see a full year of them on your taxes before they'll count the income?

You don't have an obligation to accept rent, even for the full amount, if it is late.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

In May of this year, I reached out to a property management company I had worked with in the past to inform them that I had a property becoming available and to request a Lease Option Only service (essentially where they find a tenant and I self-manage from there).

Im an agent and investor out in Phoenix Metro.

If your PM can't do it for a cheap service visit then find a new PM.

If you have a signed agreement and ink was one hour old and still wet, that agent gets the commission.

On top of working with investors, we also have a full-service PM, Sales, and Contracting team that would be more than happy to help you out every step of the way with your portfolio.Best of luck on all your endeavors :) 

I like you goal but I think it would be best to build up as best as you can while maintaining a full time position.