Be patient.

I told him that we wanted to work with an agent who owned investment properties in the area and that would be patient with us as my wife and I wanted to learn as much as we could through the buying process.

It's not my thing but if your patient it could pay huge, like I said I know a landlord that has had success with RS.

Be patient, you'll do well with being a landlord.  

You have a good mentor, keep saving your money and be patient.

wow that medical insurance is extremely expensive..... i seriously do not know why people is hating their w2 ........ i love my w2 just like real estate flip activity , if i only buy rental i don't feel satisfied enough hence i let go my rental OOS right now....... currentlyy i just dont have patient if i see bad looking house with 1980 flooring in santa clara county also with that wood cabinet.....i felt like i want to change everything and make it more modern. my wife also like to re-paint everything so she keep asking me to keep buying flip so her hobby in painting and landscaping is being channeled in reality.....

I have been pre approved for a traditional loan and been in contact with a very helpful and patient hard money lender.

Be prepared to compete with all cash, quick closing strong buyers.I suggest you work with patient realtors.

My advice is to look all over Texas and be patient to find a really nice one at a low price. 

Maybe I need to keep it going the way I already am and be patient until I have a solid amount of funds myself and a more proven track record.