Real estate is a relationship business after all, therefore, would it not be better to build relationships with tenants?

Also if they have truly never lived outside of a parents home you are taking a risk that they will take proper care of your home without having mommy there and that their relationship is strong and that they will both want to continue living there and paying rent for the duration of your lease.

I realize this business is all about relationships, longevity, grit, ideally fulfillment and am willing to put in the work.

I would love the opportunity to build a relationship with any/all like minded investors, realtors, contractors etc. 

Believe it's meeting this Thursday (22-Feb) at Renton Technical College. https://www.meetup.com/Fixated-On-Real-Estate/Real Estate Association of Puget Sound (REAPS): http://www.reapsweb.com/Seattle Investors Club (SIC): https://seattleinvestorsclub.com/Cascadia Investors Alliance: https://www.meetup.com/CascadiaInvestorsAlliance/Each can focus on different areas, but they're all excellent for networking with other investors and RE-focused business partners.Keep listening to the podcasts, start joining the networking events, and you'll start to define your goals and how you want to get there. 

However, I'd like to start building a relationship with a new regional.

I'm not sure I've ever seen this type of "on-site manager" arrangement in a small multi become a salvageable relationship once the new sheriff (you) is in town. 

Let me preface this by noting that any of the individuals I would approach would be people I know quite well as I've established business relationships with them over many years at my current place of employment (since they know where I work, they can be assured I'm not going to run away with their money).

Take advantage of Bigger Pockets and start developing relationships up here. 

Rich Stancato excellent and works with you.