If you're not working with a local agent to help you screen tenants...I would say the best way to get as many eyes on the property is create marketing material - add to local FB groups and host 2 consecutive open house weekends showing a model unit and amenities.If you're close to any University Campuses - I would also suggest to partner with the university for housing opportunities for upperclass students.Good luck with filling those up!

The property manager refuses to show any numbers on her properties, and they are not licensed in Champaign, Illinois, either.

The house is $225K value.

I need it to tell me the condition of all the sewer lines in every house in Pittsburgh.

I've learned these tactics and lessons.First, you need a good investor data management system.

Today, 7 years later,  I have 37 doors and real estate is my full time job managing those properties.I doubt anyone can tell you exactly what course you should take… but if real estate is your goal, my suggestion is to go find your local real estate investment group that probably meets once a month and start rubbing shoulders with everyone there.  

I'm currently a payroll manager part time and have done other bookkeeping / management jobs, so it was recommended that maybe I find an investor who is needing help managing their books or payroll. 

Once you have the data then talk to property managers and agents to get a better idea of the micro climate and other local knowledge. 

my strategy in the UK is rental but I also do BRRR from time to time and have dabbled in multiple occupancy too, we call them HMOS in the UK (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) but I realise our terminology is very different. 

I don't have a property manager, so I do all of the outside maintenance myself.