Looking for advice on payment collection/managment software.

They often offer free classes for landlords to make sure you know the Facts of how to manage them as you partner with the agency. 

For context, we manage 20 MTR doors in Los Angeles.

Sorry for the “tough love”, but if you don’t immediately investigate them and take appropriate action, you may not be cut out for managing rentals. 

Start talking to property managers.

I live in the Seattle area, but I work with a team on the ground that helps me locate deals, project manage rehab and provides property management.

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.

I do not want spend my W2 income to cover house mortgages, to not have pressure if things like layoffs will happen, so my plan is to buy house in a good neighborhood that may have appreciation and some minimal cash flow after all expenses (management, maintenance and vacation).

Hi RyanFind a reliable property manager for accurate rent rates to determine how the numbers will work.

I managed to get 1 8 unit and 1 6 unit building over the last few months and have done well with them.