You might consider Niche or Specialized Housing like student housing.

The niche is completely irrelevant.You need leads period.

Why choose a niche that you're scared of?

So you want to handle the sweat equity technically and have a private lender come in and fund the purchase and the rehab amount?

Your time here will be well spent.Since your focus is on landlording as a desired niche, I added the links below for your review.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)Now that you have made the move, below are some links that will help with the navigation of the site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

But I know plenty of people who carve their niche in the riskier markets like Hartford and New Britain.

Introverts outnumber extroverts 51% to 49%.There are plenty of strategies and niches that are great for more introverted personalities; the key is finding your niche and partnering with others who can compliment your strengths and weaknesses.  

Thanks Dan,Just confirming what a turnkey property technically is....my definition would be that it is ready to be rented right away.

Because I count 11/1 as the beginning of my year I am technically behind (added 1 on last day of last year and 1 this year) but hope to accelerate.I will update as I get more properties under my belt and as status changes (rehab done, rented, etc)

I want to find my niche that will peak my interest and allow a long term involvement in the investment industry.Yesterday afternoon, I met with a representative of the Costar company.