Should I do wholesaling or become a Real Estate agent to emerge myself deeper into the RE world?

The 'down payment' is due on closing, so I'm wondering how you have come to allow the down payment to even be involved.I personally don't mind when a non performer emerges.

How do I pick the right contractors (electrician, plumber, handyman, etc.) who can provide 24/7 service in the case of an emergency?

Aside from keeping an emergency personal fund & some for unexpected housing expenses, I am debating between:1) Paying off both the 1st and 2nd loan completely to reduce debt to income ratio, then begin investing2) Paying minimal payments on student loans ($553/month), not refinance the 6.0% loan so I can use the payment plans from FAFSA (IDR, PAYE, etc.) then using the leftover funds maybe $10-$15k to get an FHA loan and purchase another Single Family Home then rent out our current home.

We have a coach that operates several properties in California and they suggested that IF we allow them to stay, its month to month, and we make them sign a waiver for me to give 24 hour notice.I am ok to do that but I am concerned that because state law requires 24 hour notice for everything but emergencies, a signed waiver would not hold in court.  

The first step is to specify how requests are to be made and what is an emergency. 

With every new year, there are emerging opportunities — and risks.

Make sure you have an emergency fund in place first.

Establish an emergency fund.You may already be implementing some or all of this. 

If holding rentals, you just need someone a little closer for emergencies and then a set schedule for check-ups or rent collection if you don't have it automated.