I'm excited about buying my first home as I pursue a duplex here in Houston to launch my real estate journey.

County, City and state of California has caused many headaches.

@Jay LindgrenRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

This would be my first real estate transaction. 

This latter group is called "REO" (for "real estate owned").

is empora title a real title company?

Based on my knowledge of real estate and irrevocable trusts (not a whole lot but enough) it doesn't sound like there was anything done illegally.

It offers immediate cash flow and diversification across different real estate classes and markets, freeing you from the headaches of active management.

Once the get all your info they can turn a PoF on deals for you real quick which is nice.

I am really into real estate and I want to start as soon as possible, however I am studying abroad, and I'm constantly travelling.