Obviously, with rates dropping I am looking to refinance to reduce that rate.

The insurance company sometimes has a lease they want you to use.

Its the best way for anyone to get started IMO.Will add that in todays market you might need to put down more than the minimum 3.5-5% in order to not be cash flow negative.

Apartments in Connecticut have a 95.6% occupancy rate and stay on the market for just 37 days—making it one of the most competitive rental markets around!

You'd have to find a private lender to give you a bridge loan.

Hi Zach, do you have some time this evening to chat? 

How can I position myself as a valuable asset in such collaborations?

We have walked away from several properties while looking and still do it today so I understand the FOMO or exhaustion of looking around trying to make something work.There will always be another place to check out.

Or is it possible to have property manager only to help rent out during turn over, once tenant moves in, I can build a local team and manage on my own.

You'll just have less cash proceeds to use.