Unemployment was high but I had savings and managed to find work.

Quote from @Wale Lawal: @Paige GardnerYes, this strategy is possible, but it comes with risks that you need to manage carefully.

Then you can self-manage and learn all about tenants, contractors, etc. 

From there, you have to decide whether you want to be a landlord or hire a property manager.

I joined with the intent to surround myself with others in the field and build my confidence and understanding of the subject matter (:I live a disciplined lifestyle when managing my expenses and living below my means.

My first thing is to start built relationships with realtors and property managers.

You'll never convince a tenant that they are getting a good deal, especially as a self manager, no point in even engaging in those conversations. 

Neal manages to advertise exceptional returns and quietly ignores the risks.

I do have some investment experience and I'm currently managing 1 property, all the numbers are great and there's a good amount of cash flow and long term growth so I'm not a total green horn. 

My wife and I started managing more properties for others as word of mouth recommendations started and we started to use the management and arbitrage cash flow to acquire our own properties and fund the BRRRs we were working on.