Regarding your concern about the area, in your shoes, I would speak to 2 or 3 property managers about the property, area, market rent, and whether they themselves would want to manage a property in this area.

I've already listened to a podcast or two on house hacking and read a couple books, so I have a rudimentary idea of real-estate, but beyond that, know nothing!

I had my kids screaming in other units while I was listening adjacent as a noise test

They listen to a podcast, read a book or talk to someone but they can't truly learn anything because they are constantly looking for what they don't agree with!

I currently listen to the Bigger Pockets Podcast on my commute to and from campus. 

So much of the "how to" in REI can be answered with some consideration, slipping on the other parties shoes for a spin around the living room and a bit of consideration of how things look from that other side of things, asking yourself what would be wanted if in that other position, and that generally answers it. 

:D I've done a bunch of reading/listening to podcasts since we got hooked on this concept - but the "entry point" has me stumped. 

Now lastly.. listen very carefully!

Hi, after listening to the BiggerPockets Podcast a few weeks ago, I decided to open a Carrot website to start working on generating off-market deals online.

I am currently listening to 1-2 BP podcasts a day and reading the Ultimate Beginner real estate investing guide..