I have had very good luck with the referrals from this site in both areas. 

I often do site visits to the property and then design/draw the hvac/plumbing systems for the building.From what I gather below the following would all fall under "real property trades":"The statute lists 11 types of real property trades or businesses: real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, acquisition, conversion, rental, operation, "I believe that my line of work can be classified under "real property development", "construction", "conversion".

So when I get bored I look on the MLS or other sites to look for properties, analyze them, then figure out how I would offer them.

She is an owner!

I know there has to be a great deal of trust that has to exist with the owner and his or her team  but being a first time investor I would like to know what successful investors with rent to retirement have done in the past. 

Welcome to the site @William Kyle Norton!

Check with supplemental power providers in your areaIn an area with multiple property owners, a power co-op may prove beneficial.My $0.02 ...

The Minnesota agent should be able to write the policy BUT they might have guidelines on their rental dwelling policies that require the owner to be local and therefore looking after the property.  

From here is where I'm looking at expert advice from other investors, Section 8 property owners and portfolio holders.

I always had the notion that anyone can learn anything if they just take the time and do their own training and research.....I agree with the "paying a guru", but I think people on sites like BP rely too much on themselves and their research.