The fact is, most employers don't give a damn what your degree is in, but if you can increase sales 50% or run a department more efficiently or bring in new business, then you guarantee yourself a job even with a "useless degree".I actually have a "useless degree" myself.  

Just abide by the PM agreement you signed and pay fees you're obligated to.PMs don't like their stream of income being eliminated (8% of your rents, but mostly padding of repairs costs).Better to develop a more efficient model where you can self-manage (high-quality properties, strict tenant requirements, etc.). 

The key strengths and skills that I possess for success include: Proven demonstrated track record of improving profitability and efficiently optimizing operations, team building, quality assurance, control, compliance and sales  Proven and demonstrated ability to educate, coach, mentor and lead a successful team Extensive experience and success in planning and developing, efficiency improvement, labor relations and efficiency, operations budgeting, workforce scheduling, profit and loss liability, time management, hiring, training, coaching/mentoring for future promotion possibilities Exceptional dedication and contributions to employee and customer satisfactionLooking forward to positive futures with you!

Purchase and Sale Agreement (provided by someone else) completed by the homeowner and the cash buyerIs this the normal or most efficient process?

I had so many stepping stones to deal with until I got my license which enabled me to do some things a bit quicker and more efficiently, but also enabled me to help other investors because I already knew their expectations and how they view things.

I ask because I always find myself in these neighborhoods and I drive for about 3-4 hours every morning and I'd like to be as efficient as possible.

Yes, Very tax efficient, full benefits like other RE investments (property tax, interest deduction and depreciation to name the big ones).

@Louis Friedman I went to Easton with my family (Crayola Factory WOOHOO!

Another factor is that cap rate is a measure at a given point in time.

While I own a condo in the city that has great potential, I am interested in learning more about:-Access to investment funds-Flipping (finding deals and cost efficient ways to rehab)-Wholesaling (this may be the easiest way to dip my toe in the water?)