What or who do you suggest I speak to or learn from to better understand my options for mortgages?

I would suggest you take a few months and watch the market before jumping in because the market has adjusted the pricing because it's hot. 

But, I suggest you start off with www.RipOffReport.com to see if there is anything obvious to avoid. 

I would suggest calling RPM property management. 

Your potential buyer suggesting you terminate the contract and them paying you a fee does sounds fishy to me.

Part of my issue was not having a reasonably priced handyman ahead of time and eventually overpaying to just get it done and also inexperience as a manager.With that said, you essentially have two options: very cheap properties in less good areas (you're looking at 100k or less--which you might have trouble getting a good lender for)  or trying to do some sort of house hack (e.g. live in flip, live in rent by the room, multifamily) where you budget will be closer to 200k-300k.Personally, I would not look at real estate until you are maxing out your 401k and IRA, but lots of folks have done significantly better with real estate than stocks and would think I'm crazy for suggesting this.

A solid agent can help you calculate ARV, manage inspections and contractor connections— get quotes and coordinate handymen and vendors post close, provide shopping lists and software suggestions for management or STR furnishing, etc. 

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

In 2003, while working in corporate America someone suggested Rich Dad Poor Dad to me.

The dialer is an add-on to the app.I did verify you have received a full refund for your most recent $179 monthly fee as well as two $50 incremental charges back in September 2024 when you requested.I am eager to learn what else or where else we could have communicated better - I am open to suggestions.