Zillow, apartments.com, outreach to local companies that common sense suggests would have project based 1-3 month employees.

Based on the website it seems pretty easy to bid, so I am not so sure that I would not get a property. 

Hey Ryan, glad to hear you're getting into the game!

For example, if you find a PM that uses a 600+ credit score minimum for the portfolio they manage and you want 700+ then you are allowing the PM to follow less strict guidelines and opening you home to greater risk.For the marketing side of things, I'd recommend using Zillow, Apartments.com, Redfin, and Facebook for potential word of mouth in your sphere.

I am new to the real estate game.  

We are going to get an appraisal soon, but based on real estate agents evaluation and comps, we are looking at ~$500k as a current value. 

I am based out of Rock County and often come up to Madison.

Of course the above 2 points can vary deal by deal based on the deal terms, but 99.99% of cases align with the above.

Or better yet, have a licensed contractor do one.That way, you will have proof if the tenant tries to play games with their results. 

Not know where to start, this program has been very helpful to getting back in the game.