I have been doing a lot of research in how to get into real estate and have a pretty good grip as to what what the necessary steps you need to complete in order to do your first deal (find a lender, become acquaintances with an agent or seller, locate a reputable contractor/property manager, etc.) but am a little unsure as to which order I should focus on these steps in. 

Telling all of us here on BP is also in James' self interest, since it increases his reputation in this "tribe" of Real Estate investors on BP. 

I have just started and hung my license with a reputable broker in Novi, Michigan.

Managing a low income building with this many occupants will be an absolute nightmare and no reputable property manager will want to deal with the property either once you get sick of dealing with it. 

I’m in need of a reliable, reputable contractor for a light renovation job on a SFH in Matteson.

I think its partially due to reputation and to proximity to more problem areas as we have not had any theft or neighborhood issues at the property and the neighboring houses, cars, and businesses all look well kept.

I’ll pass on going down that road here, except to say that if those issues arise, they could affect your reputation with your tenant if legitimate repairs don’t get made in a reasonable time and fashion.We had one instance where we got a new $2500 AC compressor unit for our $75 service fee.

Build your relationships and reputation one friend at a time.  

As you know reputation in the broker side is everything. 

-Amount of Liability (buy the max - it's only a few dollars per year)-Water & Sewer backup-Ordinance & Law Not to mention the company's record/reputation/history of paying claims!