In addition I would strongly advise against investing in any multi unit building that does not have separate meters for all utilities.

I recently switched to Lowes' Diamond NOW Arcadia off-the-shelf Shaker style cabinets. 

From everything I have learned thus far, I'd say that the Atlanta market is stable with strong potential to maintain growth. 

We also need to have a strong team in place or boots on the ground.

Your resident manager is either a blessing or a total curse in this scenario...............if he/she is inherited you might just arbitrarily have to put someone new in that spot-the temptation is pretty strong from how I imagine rents are being collected and reported. 

Paying a proficient short sale negotiator is worth it's weight in gold to increase the chances of a short sale being completed efficiently and in keeping a strong line of communication with all parties.

One aspect I’m having difficulty with is identifying a strong property management company in the area and I was hoping someone with active properties in the area could make a referral.

Financially, I am fairly stable with strong credit (730+), and working a entry level tech recruiting job allowing me to save roughly a quarter of my salary after bills, entertainment, and etc.

You might get a few bruises along  the way but stay strong and in control.

All I'm gonna say about that is that given how strong our current real estate cycle is this time around, it is the perfect, rare opportunity to sell any properties that fit the Roofstock or HomeUnion profile.