. $50k might not even cover the cost of material.

Such as realistic time frame in establishing yourself, operational cost, marketing, will you need to mix residential in for a time until you are established, any software or materials that would be helpful, etc. any of your thoughts would be appreciated.Thank you

Would love to network for contractor referrals, wholesale material suppliers, financing options.

In the manufacturing sector any unit with an investment in plant and machinery of less then 5 crores falls under small business.Before choosing small business ideas to implement you need to consider following requirements- Market opportunity Investment requirementEntrepreneur experienceBusiness objectiveRaw material requirementStaffing requirementBusiness entityBusiness license requiredTaxationBreak-even pointFinancial projectionsBusiness Entity-Most of the businesses in india are started as proprietorship or partnership due to the ease of compliances.

Ok, now that you have taken your initial step, below are some quick links to get engaged.Since you expressed an interest in buy and hold, I added two guides below on this subject, as you wait to be locally connected.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Since it's tough to move whatever this piece of furniture is, like Kevin said, vet them over the phone and if they seem reasonable and serious, get the deal done.  

This is when I decided maybe I'm not landlord material.

Varies based on rental price point, tenant class, and materials, but the 5-10% of rent - for each - would be in the ballpark.That's why we're all saying it's the cost of business - be thankful whenever you have a 6 year situation as that's generally an outlier.

@Thomas Stanley  it happens to the best of us... the low end low income home in the US is about as tough a asset class as exist.. yet many who venture into them have little or no experience. 

Most of the posts here are asking where to find contractors, vet them, or referrals, personally I think by giving these files to them but using them carefully will help you vet if they are flaky or not, companies or GCs that know how to fill these and can comply to this will be a bit pricey, but I am 90% sure that they are of medium caliber and will be reliable than your "2 guys with tools".Files Uploaded:CKCC Daily Sign In Sheet - MOST IMPORTANT DURING A FLIP CKCC Project Budget Sample CKCC TEMPLATE Payment Application Sample CKCC Invoice CKCC Conditional Waiver and Release on Final PaymentCKCC Conditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment CKCC Unconditional Waiver and Release on Final Payment CKCC Unconditional Waiver and Release on Progress Payment CKCC Residential Improvement Contract - Rehab Contract CKCC Residential Time and Material Contract Notices After Contract Signing CKCC Certificate of Completion CKCC Quote Request Form CKCC Purchase Order FormGood luck and happy hunting!