Your situation is surprisingly common.

It's no surprise that rental prices have gone up.

It would be wise to have at least three months of rent saved up at all times to cover the unexpected.

Listen to the Bigger Pockets Real Estate rookie podcast... you wont understand everything at first, but soon it becomes like your own language.Meet people in your area... network.. tell them what you are interested in, you will be so surprised that people will show up to help you.Avoid the gurus who ask for money, PRO membership here gives you access to the webinars and calculators you need to make it make sense for a newbie. 

Just make sure to include a buffer (about 10-15%) for unexpected costs, especially if you’re working on an older home.

The cash flow you earn from rentals will likely be best spent on maintenance, unexpected expenses, and reinvesting in future opportunities.

When you swing for the fences, don't be surprised if you strike out. 

I am surprised this is the first time you have run into a problem not being able to keep tabs on your house.  

Failing to budget correctly for repairs or not accounting for unexpected expenses can cause you to go over budget.

One thing that caught me by surprise was a "Broker Transaction Fee" of $995 in the buyer's agreement I was told to sign.