@Michael Faulk organizes a local meetup group for real estate investors in that part of the state, look him up here on BP and send him a colleague request.

I like professional, organized service. 

What communication, if any, is allowed between me and the tenantDocumentationHow are documents organized and stored regarding the properties and leases?

@Alex JonesI do think a year was a good amount of time to study and learn, establish some contacts and get organized.

Ask your home inspector to especially look for wood destroying organisms (termites, wood ants, etc.).

Join a professional organization and hang out with like minded individuals.

The more I have it on my mind, the more organic situations arise where I get to talk about real estate.

New software can make things smoother, easier, more organized and faster.

Housing is really good at "convincing" the tenant that losing housing is a lot better play than losing their assistance voucher.But there are other options:  many churches and organizations will give grants to economically challenged folks for their utilities. 

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications.2.