I am focusing on the Metro Detroit area (Westland, Southfield, Livonia, Oak Park, Warren etc.):- Plumbers- Electricians- Carpenters- CPA- Real Estate Attorney- Handyman- Appliance repair person- Property Managers- Home cleaning companies (To clean property when tenants leave)

You can live comfortably in other towns with a much less expanse on primary residence and focus on investing...That is also what we have been asking ourselves for a while.

After reading dozens of real estate books I have decided to set my focus on acquiring small multifamily properties of 2-4 units and a long term rental strategy.

Best bet: connect with local investors/lenders/brokers to narrow your focus (what type of asset, what sub-market of the metroplex).

I read an article recently about an ai focused property management company called, “Zen Place”.

Focus on where you are going!!

Especially for a newer investor like me, which is why I have focused on the STR market. 

That'll help you narrow your focus - buy a rental (small or large) versus invest in pool of money as you called it - which I assume you're referring to syndication.

If enough time has passed to consider the property abandoned I’d focus on getting it ready to go for the next tenant.

It seems like cash flow is your primary focus, if you're willing to forego some advantages of real estate such as appreciation, I recommend taking a look at note investing.