@James Kalu,I'd love to learn more about your desire to move into property management.

My desire is to be a landlord and to invest in real estate.

Desirable houses that I have seen are starting at 650k, but I was wondering if there are other sources to look instead of online postings. 

I’ve worked with some investors who have no desire to self manage and the cost to have a property manager is well worth it, while others make time to manage everything and enjoy it.

Op is not experienced and has not indicated she desires an active role in RE.

For a commercial broker, take a look at who has a majority of commercial listings on LoopNet/Crexi in the desired area...OR for the property type you're exploring definitely check in with a local CU or your current banker for both a RE recommendation and lending options.

Do you have time and desire to self an STR?  

The property was located in a desirable area with good market demand, making it an ideal candidate for a fast transaction.

However, while there are too many housing units and the population will likely continue to decline, there are still desirable neighborhoods that even as populations decline, will have the highest demand for housing due to infrastructure and amenities.

Good deals (great deals) are WORKED - negotiated, bartered, set up creatively, and necessitate understanding the opposite parties motivations, desires, needs, pressures, etc.