I've heard some sticky things about it but considered it out of convenience and eliminating a middle man. 

I'm leaning towards hitting a local investor group meeting and trying to partner with someone with a little more experience.   

I was leaning towards wholesaling at first, but I understand in order to do it right will require more up front money than I have at this stage.

I found it to be more convenient than the recommended excel etc, and it grew with me (8 units now).  

I'm leaning on the house hacking model to start as I would like to find a duplex and owner occupy, renting the 2nd unit. 

The street is clean and it's a nice, nothing that concerns me at present with regards to the appearance.I should add that these are located about 7 minutes from my house so it's very convenient for me.

I am leaning into rolling into a solo 401K, but It is the only money I have so the decision I make needs to be the right one.

Creating an LLC in the way Nick described ("I am leaning more towards going to an actual local lawyer...") does not meet the topic at hand (Best way to create an LLC?)?

The convenience is worth it.

In the area you want to target, look for gangs of newspaper boxes outside convenience stores, strip malls, etc.