I still have family/friends out there and while I haven't explored it explicitly with them, I'm fairly confident I'd be able to leverage my connections on the property management side. 

I’m eager to learn and explore by meeting some members here too.

This is different for each investor because everyone's goals are different.Even if you lock your money up, it doesn't stop you from doing a cash out refi on your paid off home later on down the line if you choose to explore that avenue later.There is no right or wrong answer as long as you are making money on the deal that is all that counts.Good luck!!!

Are you exploring opportunities to make more from real estate?

It's at least worth exploring a professional property management company.

The 2nd deal came a bit easier, and the 3rd deal came easier than that, as I simply explored what the seller of the previous house was also looking to unload in their rental portfolio. 

I did not want to automatically walk away until exploring if there were a viable solution.

We can also review deals that recent investors are closing on and explore what made those good deals.

Corporations have been around for hundreds of years since the early era of European exploration and trade. 

Once you have a good feel for that you can explore options.