I realize the people doing the Podcasts do so at a cost (time and money) and for that I feel like it is fair they be allowed to pitch some of their product to me.

I would suggest suing the fairly new system from Basic that requires NO sanding.

During this period the debtor must obtain consent by the Trustee to enter into any financial contract that presents a liability or in acquiring any equitable or legal interests in other property.Bottom line, the court will allow the debtor to enter into agreements to expense funds for the necessities of a debtor, leasing a property at fair market rent, buying food, clothing, having a car repair or other costs of living.

First try and reach out to a private lender, (hard money), they are fairly easy to find but be prepared to pay interest rates 9% or more.My second option would be to syndicate.

Here's probably my best: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/25/5-dominate-property-management/.But the big things are 1) Screen very diligently, 2) Treat it as a business, not a hobby and treat the tenants as clients not friends so 3) Be fair but firm with them when it comes to their requests and/or excuses regarding rent.

My partner and I are fairly new as well but we are getting a mentor (I would be happy to recommend him).

Selling property is fairly easy.

This seems like it could potentially tie up a fair bit of capital and would make it difficult to bid on multiple properties simultaneously.  

It's worth looking into the fundamentals of each market and Jacksons are fairly good; quite diversified in terms of employment for a small city (hospitals, manufacturing, colleges etc.)

I am a fairly strong credit quality borrower and would be willing to have a deposit account with the bank.