Normally there is some sort of onboarding or start up costs however usually PMs charge based on how much revenue they received hence if no revenue is produced due to the property being vacant, no funds are collected.

The biggest thing you should do is figure out which market you are trying to invest in and do some heavy research in that area.

After 45 years investing across many asset classes, many investment types, and everything from lowest risk to outright gambles, I think I finally know the answer.The biggest divide is between investments in which operational control over that investment is with the investor, and investments in which control rests with another party.  

The biggest thing is to get started and take action, which it sounds like you are doing. 

Biggest thing IMO is getting close to the train station and have a high quality units that may not look attractive on paper the first few years but will have the ability to raise rents consistently long term. 

these days buying any free standing SFR with rents much less than 1200 a month is simply not enough Gross revenue to run the railroad.. 600.00 rent on an SFR your going to lose your rear end through cap ex and maintenance.

It's not the data or the asset classes; it's you.You are often your biggest roadblock.Considering this and looking at your journey differently, you can break the stalemate.If you are new and want advice, you must be open to ALL advice, not just the kind that supports your first idea or asset class.

My biggest concern with this market is that it is very limited compared to many other larger markets. 

Biggest thing is to make sure there is egress out of the basement sleeping area. 

I think my biggest worry is that buying an investment property before buying a primary home would affect how lendable I will be when that time comes for the latter.