My initial plan had been to do something like Rent-to-Retirement or REI Nation- assuming that I'd be leaving money on the table to pay for their expertise, but hoping that I would learn through the process and develop the confidence to strike out on my own later. 

There are down payment programs for duplexes, i have not searched or tried to do a 3-4 unit property. 

I already have plans for both homes but have not moved forward due to the quotes I'm getting.

Do you meet with us routinely to be proactive and do planning?

(I did not hear the noise or  care but those much closer to the house did) so be careful with these kinds of plans  in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  

I plan to consult a tax professional but before wasting anyone's time I would like to ask whether I can technically claim the property as a rental in 2024 even though our first contract started Jan. 1, 2025?

Do they come with subscription plans for maintenance ?

My plan is to sell my primary home in New York and purchase a house to live in South Carolina.

The challenge is the that you need to have a plan for the property that will allow you to improve rent collection, lower expenses or build the equity.

Sorry to hear your self managing isn't going as planned...finding good tenants is tricky!