I don't personally invest there but I know folks who do.spend some time there, go to REIA meetings, meet people, do non-Internet things.

I started investing about 8 years ago personally, then decided to become a professional a few years ago. 

My personal opinion is that a shower door is nicer, but wondering if that's going to create maintenance headaches later. 

I don't personally utilize this strategy, but many other people do so successfully so you might look into that.

Merely my personal opinion, no.

Welcome welcome, I recommend joining up with some local rest estate groups to network with in person and Facebook groups for investors, buy/sell, contractors, etc. to just be in the mix and see who is out there making deals and opportunities.

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

As that will at least help folks that you reach out to know that you are a real person, with a picture and professional bio.

We will be landlords for the first time in our life.

I don't know your personal situation, goals and motivation.