Be firm and professional. 

My goal over time is simply to create a modest portfolio (maybe 5-10 properties) that helps me on my way to financial freedom; I have no aspirations to become a professional landlord or big-time real estate investor. 

First of all, thank you Bigger Pockets for such a wonderful website to connect and learn from professionals in such an efficient manner!

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Also, you can do a member search on this site to find local professionals.

When it comes to real estate professionals, personally, I'm a fan of my team. ;-)We're investor focused for both buy and hold and flip properties.

Last but not the least, make sure to continue your college education and/or professional day job.

This will help you look more 'professional' when presenting the idea. 

Any tips or words of wisdom from the seasoned professionals out there?

There’s a big difference in the prospective tenants – families, groups of roommates, professionals, friends straight out of college.