Dependent on the company when laying the shingles they need to "step up" the shingles as well as use 4-8 (again dependent on the company) nails per shingle so it ensures good hold in the roof just some quick tips.  

Such as paper work, steps, can it be done online or does the paperwork and everything need to be handled in person... so on.I am a rookie so please be kind! 

The main reason I decided to invest in larger deals is because I realistically can't cashflow in the bay area and looking for small deals on the other side of the country isn't practical to do remotely.

Most of my learning came through self study, practice exams. 

What are the first steps I should take to get started 

While it's a modest monetary cushion, it's been great practice for landlord-ing and VRBO-ing one day.Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my inquiry and share your two cents with a newbie.

I'm a licensed architectural engineer with 8 years of experience practicing mechanical, plumbing and fire protection design in Baltimore, DC and the surrounding areas.

That is a big step that very few get too.As far as financing, its hard to say if it was good or bad.

I'd like to save a step so we can save costs....unless there is a purpose here that I cannot see. 

If so, you can bill back water/sewer consumption (increasing the NOI and cutting one of your largest expenses)  but you'll want to see if that's common practice with your competition and ensure rents line up as well.