I'm committed to educating myself first as much as possible, and I'm hoping to get advice/comments prior to my first investment from the community (online and local) as I go thru this journey.

You'll learn a lot just by networking with others.As for Turnkey I know some people love them but all you get is possible cashflow.  

The only thing I have to add is if you have a maintenance man, and someone reports a leak, you should have it looked at as soon as possible, not on Tuesday like Wimpy.

Always do the math analysis on a prospective property and try to look at it of at least have a clause in the sales contract that allows you some time (about 15 days) to make a detailed inspection and possibly walk out of the deal without a penalty that will hurt you too much.The thing you also should do in the beginning is to have a Team put together that typically have an Attorney, real estate Agents, a CPA (or accountants), Inspectors, general Contractors, and Handymen.  

I told the guy that I have home warranty and can get someone to come Tuesday, but no he wanted the person as soon as possible, so paid the AC guy from my own pocket :(

The new buyer could possible have to deal with an eviction which is an added cost and time.

Looking into using this currently and possibly a solo K to avoid taxes.

When I closed, I knew there were well issues and also knew that connecting to city water was a possibility.  

You want your property to appeal to the widest array of buyers as possible, right?

Keep your overhead as low as possible.