So now I’m stuck at the stage of choosing a market.I have ~$60k saved up and set aside (separate from personal expense/emergency funds).

Anyone that is in emergency mode, won't contact you because they need help now. 

After thorough research and introspection, syndications have emerged as my preferred avenue for real estate investment.

@Brooklyn R.that would work unless it was an emergency situation i.e.

I would think it'd be pretty simple to calculate his actual rent income based on the properties current conditions and explain that at best, the tenants in place stay for years to come, he continues doing the bare minimum, and his highest predicted income is x dollars, barring any emergency spending to keep the tenants happy.

Rental pricing, the value of having enough money in reserve for emergencies.

I can see my retirement (401k, Roth IRA), my liquidity (index funds/personal emergency fund/RE emergency fund), health related expenses (HSA), kids college (529 state plan), savings (HYSA), Real Estate equity (through appreciation, equity capture at the buy, loan paydown) etc.

@Aaron MayWhen you are self managing, how do you find a good person to be the local go to person for emergencies?

For quickie emergencies there are always the "18 months no interest" options at Lowes or Home Depot along with similar terms from your credit cards (those checks you can write for a 3% fee and then have 12-18 mos to repay). 

The HELOC for the eventuality that you find problems that are more expensive than you predicted, and use as an emergency fund.