The latter seems to provide a middle ground that could enable professional maintenance oversight while allowing me to retain some control, mainly through tenant communication and management portals like RentRedi.

Listing brokerages also tend to respond better to professional brokers inquiring about a property versus an unknown buyer.

Is it time for me to seek an attorney or other real estate professional?

If we worked together of course we would have a contract in place about the split, etc.

Accomplished real estate professionals should be charging for every moment of time they spend assisting a new investor.

I used professional PM, fees were fine. 

The guaranteed portion of the rent from the government provides a stable base, and I've found that many Section 8 tenants take pride in their homes and are eager to maintain a positive relationship with their landlord.Of course, as with any tenant, proper screening and communication are key.

Of course your IRA can buy the land but you cannot personally benefit from that purchase.

I own MTR's in a San Antonio medical center and I can give you this advise: Traveling nurses/professionals are looking for small accommodations (lower price point), they are concerned with safety, as they are usually women traveling alone, well-lit walkways by their parking spot, private entrances/bath/laundry.

I’ve been a very passive investor but I’m looking into buying our first rentals out of state and becoming a real estate professional.