I drive through Bakersfield at least once a month to go to backpacking in the Sierra's.  

So many other forums I've read (professional or hobby interest) are full of flame wars-- like there's an army of trolls waiting to devour the most recent half-baked idea.But on BP even when people post "I'm 21, no job, skills or money, and I want to be an overnight millionaire" the community gives them the benefit of the doubt, and encourages them to get then training & networking to accomplish that.

You should check out Paper Source at http://papersourceonline.com/the-complete-package/ for some basic training, although you should also start networking since the relationships really keep this business well oiled. 

Also, both tenants pay online now, rather than driving 30 miles into the previous management company location.

I'm sure my dad will cringe when I share with him my goal - all of his properties are within a 10-15 minute drive from his residence.  

It's very "pocket-y" here as you know so go out and drive around.

If I were you, I would suggest going with a big brand name that has a lot of education, training and broker support.

My friends call me Dee.I own and operate a Pro Se Coaching & Training service here in Cleveland and have enjoyed it for about 14 years now.  

One doesn't need to take mandatory ethics training every 4 years to maintain their car salesman license.

Make sure you get approval for anything from the brokerage first.The state real estate commissions see licensees as professionally trained in contracts and held to a higher standard than ( joe blow ) investor off the street.