As you transition, it's always good to go back and make sure your investing plan is sound.

I'd like my first property to be class B-ish but in a "transitional" or unappreciated, undervalued area within a more affluent area for the sake of appreciation.

Get yourself a 2BDRM place within easy transit to campus. 

It doesn't mean any are bad, just means some might not be as beneficial as others.I am an Infrastructure or Systems Engineer in IT, I started in BRRRR with private lenders, transitioned to partnering on small multifamily and ultimately invest into apartment syndications now.

@Arn Cenedella Thank you for making the point about where to transition from going it alone.

We are looking at possibly transitioning to self-managing our properties.

The triplex is a new rehab 2020 built 70 years ago but area is close to Charles Schwab, Google, FB and Tesla factory and average property value 195k in a transitioning area.

My Buddy was going through a transition in life and returned here to the US.He still uses that home as a rental, but now that he’s curious about real estate and has returned back to the US, he is curious about financing.  

My plan similar to yours is to continue working as I build up my RE book of business and maybe a few investments on my own along the way then hopefully transition full time if everything goes right.   

Hey @Kyle Johnson it's almost certain we do not manage in those areas...but I'd be willing to chat more...sometimes these locations have transitioned...and I may be able to point you in the right direction if not.