This awesome!

Hi, I’m trying to decide whether I continue to actively invest in single-family (or small multifamily) long-term rentals or invest with a multifamily syndication.

Please clarify, is this a long term or short term rental? 

I have a good friend in Stevensville Montana who does this nationwide. 

This is generally true throughout all 49 states... and California.

I know I have a lot of work to do to prove myself as a valuable resource but I am going to do the work, I'm just trying to figure out the right steps.

Most of this is good info, but some of this is ridiculous and moot. 

Ideally, this would be someone with a strong reputation and a proven track record in full-scale renovations, along with in-depth knowledge of the Pittsburgh market.If you have any recommendations or advice on contractors who fit this description, I’d love to hear from you!

This was a very trying experience for me.

This is probably the most up to date information you can get, you can get the data cleaned, formatted and skiptraced for pretty cheap using some new comers like GoliathData.