You rarely get phone calls from your tenants and they are business owners vs. folks with kids, pets, showers and toilets. 

https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/property-manag...

Wanted to connect with others doing business in the area to keep up-to-date on the market, as I'm from out-of-state.

New investors look for guidance only to find constant ads for courses, coaching, and get-rich-quick strategies.Look at those where you want to be and before you ask them to be your mentor study them, learn from them, and read books about business owners. 

First, build the actual business in theory with a brand.Second, go to every real estate investor meetup in the area and see if this is something that people would pay for and if so, how much.

BUT... this also means you need to put a plan together to keep 4-6 full time guys busy. 

I think there are two ways to “scale” your real estate business or investments.  

I would start by networking with other investors and asking them for recommendations.Research online for agents that are busy.

Another option that can potentially be free is looking for a mentor who is doing what you aspire to do in real estate and see how you can be of value to them so you can learn while helping their business.

You can also deduct depreciation, maintenance, and mortgage interest regardless of business structure.