I'm specifically interested in partnering up with a more experienced investor if such an opportunity would arise. 

I'm fully aware that assessed value and market value aren't the same thing (and assessed value is most likely going to be less then market value, especially considering we are in a rising market).

This dynamic will always be present even in a rising or falling market. 

Your turnkey partner should periodically provide you updated info on the progress of your investment, run any large scale maintenance issues by you, keep you up to date on tenant turnover, incoming rents, and any issues that arise, but they will be the ones who actually deal with all those things.

However, the issue arise when I checked off on completing the task, and forgot to update the next follow up date.

I'm pretty well versed already on general land lording laws, and some of my state specific laws as well, but I feel at some point I will definitely need one to answer any other legal questions or concerns which may arise in the buying process.

Contact a local attorney or better, enroll in a pre-paid legal service so you will be able to contact an attorney anytime an issue or question arises.

You are probably better finding an attorney who does closing/title work because he will be able to offer legal expertise if any issues arise.

We appear to be in a rising interest rate environment. 

I can do all work myself, but I work full time so I actually cant - I do not have a contractor and would have to rely on unknowns if big issues arise.