Perhaps the mistake was not keeping the rent near market, and now doing the "market correction" - but the market rate is the market rate for a reason. 

To avoid going through the same poor experience, keep reading.Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Keep learning and exploring opportunities, and you'll continue to progress toward your goals.

Keep saving as much as you can.

My feeling is that 2500 is way too much and just not competitive, so I wrote the landlord with some comps demonstrating that and asking if he'll keep it at 2250.

I will try to keep this brief.

I'm currently working on a project with some friends to buy Co-Living homes in the Austin and Dallas area, so I'm keeping my eyes peeled for those good distressed/creative finance opportunities.

I expect Huntsville to surpass Birmingham quicker than the 5-10 year market, given the new jobs keep coming to the area.

Most mom and pop landlords don't keep great records. 

I think that is important.Your #1 (and #2,3,4, 5,6) challenge will be keeping reliable housekeeping and repairs/maintenance folks.