I've amassed a ton of skills over the years as a 5th-grade teacher, professional competitive swim coach and a marketing leader that I'm positive have me well-positioned to take on this challenge.I've identified 12 potential properties within 15-20 miles of my home, that look RIPE for a great deal. 

There is a new identified risk.  

@Paolo Sciarra I'll echo @Todd Dexheimer and add Wilmington and Asheville (smaller markets, obviously).Additionally Greenville, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Charleston in SC are growing as well.I track population growth trends in this publicly available spreadsheet as I believe it's a very good indicator of the positive long term trends that support the MFH asset class (not the only one, but a great one).https://docs.google.com/spread...It's all based on government data and identifies both perennially high growth metros, as well as recent accelerators (Flint, Michigan - really!)

It can also help you identify hidden defects that are deal breakers - the best bullets are the ones you dodge!

I will also explore the various markets in this activity to identify and understand the variables to consider.

My new management is postured to take over (with full trust), and we are identifying additional maintenance personnel to come in and start bringing the units up to our standard. 

I think not, as others have identified.

Your hard work and prior planning affords you the luxury of really identifying what you want, growing your portfolio to live off the passive income and to leave a legacy.

These books have flipped a switch in my head as well as sparked a mild anxiety attack I've identified as the mysterious "hunger" I've heard do much about.I realize now my current job isn't enough to kickstart my portfolio to achieve my goals.

You can either go the FHA route and owner occupy for a time or identify an out of state market to invest in.