Just like everything else in life, get started, keep honing those skills and watch yourself get better and better witch each property you buy. 

Or slow down , wait and watch what happens with the SFR .i feel I'm hurrying but also don't wanna loose the opportunities that are close to my primary home.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong in Newport News, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake.

Personally, I keep my rent increases to 5-10% while not pushing them all the way up to market rent.

The only way I would let a tenant paint is if I could set up a lawn chair, grab a drink and watch them for entertainment.

I do a lot of seller financing and personally keep track of it all myself but it can be a huge pain. 

It also depends on your price point and budget. because this is going to be your personal residence, at this point, I would just keep aware of city news and developments, and neighborhood pockets.

I suggest to make deep research about the location and risk or ask experts personally before take actions. 

I personally have no interest in buying my own...

They can and often will say 'no' but if you can just get a 'yes' on a single digit fixed rate you're probably better off than any personal or consolidation loan you may get.