I highly recommend that even if you combine lists, you still have a way to know where each contact came from originally for more effective marketing and targeted messaging.

would I recommend that to a brand new investor? 

I'd really appreciate any advice, connections, or recommendations for a local agent.

@Jack Honroth, to piggyback off of Nicholas, I highly recommend that you house-hack your first deal.

I'm accustomed to the regulations on LTR, but not sure about MTR.Are there any resources you can recommend?

I don't generally recommend them, but in my younger days, I've written one for myself.

This is what I recommend for you to get started in your real estate journey:1.

as a single property owner, do not want to pay full price as there may not much of need of reports, looking for state specific lease and ACH/Zelle/paypal kind of payment options for application fee and Rent collection. any recommendation on which plan would be best?

My recommendation is unless there is a REALLY good reason for doing LLC units instead...just buy the assets.

I strongly recommend you write up an eye-catching pro forma on what you intend to do.