I am in the research stage right now.  

I am in the early stages of investing and business planning and swimming in data from the first couple of deals.

I think that is step 1.Hiring a PM at this stage will not necessarily insulate you completely, the decisions to address issues on the report will still be yours, and your tenant has already gotten you to pay for a PM on top of possibly having to do repairs.

I listen to a bunch of AM radio, and always here the LU ads, so in doing some diligence on them I found BiggerPockets, which I think is going to be a tremendous win for me.I'm in the beginning stages of investigating if a multi family investment is something that makes sense for me, and I'd like to do it in the Dallas or surrounding counties. 

BOTH- All properties must cash flow after costs (PITI, vacancies, maintence. etc) however, I'm not looking to live off of this income at this stage of my life and thus target properties in areas that will continue to appreciate in rent and value.  

I personally am not at the "landlording" stage yet.

Would home staging be considered a permissible closing cost?

A couple reps suggested a staged home so people could see and possible purchase. 

Make a plan now and execute it in stages as you get the money.Good luck!

I'm currently in the stages of continuing to build up my buyers list but still need that extra push of getting me over the hump of getting my first deal done and with a mentor to receive great knowledge from I believe we can both prosper.