My recommendation would be to plan to achieve a diversified portfolio across sponsors, geographical areas and asset classes. 

Lease Management - Avail.co, Apartments.com, Buildium, TenantCloud,  - many others - they can List For Rent, Schedule Showings, Provide Applications, Screen Tenants, Setup Leases, Setup and Manage Rent Payment, and other things (keep track of maintenance, keep track of expenses and make reports for accountants etc) Tenants like it because its online and makes it clear what they need to do - This also helps answer Drews question to you. - Showing a property - I have less to say on this one, looking for ideas myself.

Bigger Pockets is a great place for education and networking and is full of great content.I recommend that you check out the following resources:1.

Questions for later: • Is the high level of activity an overreaction to a nonissue?

My advice is educate yourself by learning online and connecting with multiple of investors willing to give you tips. $20,000 is way too expensive in my opinion. 

Would you recommend the paid option?

Out of all of Lehigh, this is likely one of the only places that I would typically recommend avoiding.

What's the best exit strategy in Colorado market?

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I'd recommend finding some properties with lighter rehabs to start so that you can build up experience quickly as experience is the largest factor when determining your loan options as a lender.