I am following that model but find myself consumed by excel and formulas.

Consume it. 

I've been reading all the books I can on investing, rentals, reading BP forums, and listening to all the podcasts I consume.

I am wondering if any of you, on the consumer or provider side, are going to BPCON 2019 in Nashville coming up in a few weeks and would want to meet up?

I am able to pull my records through a backdoor at the County's website, though it is still a time consuming task.

It's not remotely the same thing as credit cards, utilities, and other consumer debt. 

I have googled DIY ways to fade the mark that seem fairly simple and not terribly time consuming.

Here is the link: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-homeSome documents you should look for if an offer is submitted to you via a licensed agent:-Consumer guide to agency relationship.

@Jamila Thompson Reading your bio it seem to me you have much more to offer then most newbies...the background in civil engineering is for sure a great start...the other asset you can offer is obviously your time and 'just out of college' energy...I would start by offering to go to view properties for investors you would like to work with...this is one of the most time consuming parts and there will be always more properties an investor would like to see then would possible physically...you could probably accompany them for few times to get them to explain their criteria and then have them send to you places they would like you to see...or being proactive about it and find for them properties that match their criteria.  

Consume a lot of data and speak to a lot of folks before making a decision.