My advice would be to focus 100% on flying til you get the career job. 

If income oriented, focus on cash flow.If growth oriented, leverage to grow.

They call the unspoken obstacle “renting while black.”It doesn’t help that developers are largely focused on the upper end of the housing market.One developer, Pardee Homes, is building $400,000-plus homes on the edge of the desert.

I originally planned to focus my investment company on multi family housing, but the Louisville market is for the seller only at this moment.

In fact, probably the biggest cash buyer in my market shifted focus to wholesaling.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I can't focus on finding and acquiring new properties if I am chasing tenants for rent and unclogging toilets.I think the only reason NOT to have a property manager is if you are househacking and living in the property, or live within a short drive of all your properties and enjoy doing maintenance and chasing rent checks.

Looking to connect with like minded investors in the area.I often work out of the area as I have a full time career in sales focused in IT. 

Tracking the tax basis and tax capital will come in handy in determining the taxability of your distributions and aid in gain/(loss) computations on the day you and your friends want to exit the deal.

Focus on your mission.