I would also tie this to broken down financial goals as well (i.e. if your current income is $100k, your goal could be to generate $10k passive by 12/31/17, $25k passive by 12/31/18, $50k passive by 12/31/19, etc.).

OF COURSE it didn't work out and by the time we got them out of the property we are out 6 months rent plus unpaid bills, cleaning and other damages.  

Our "How to Choose a Property Manager” handout is available upon request from me, StacyA McBain, Kelly Turpin of Swope Investment Properties who presented on this topic at AVID.12.Handyman /ContractorDIY MANAGERS ALSO NEED CONTACTS THAT PROPERTY MANAGERS MAINTAIN:PainterRoofer Cleaner - Tips and products: Don Aslett cleaning supplies Concrete/Excavation Carpet Cleaner - Pressure washer for exterior, full-service janitorialMold RemediationChimney Pest ControlAppliance RepairFlooringSupplies HVAC PlumberElectricianLandscaper/sprinkler techAssessor’s officeGutter cleaners

It sounds as if you have employed inspectors who have given you a clean bill of health.

And this does take a LOT of work to do--you have to clean and prep your whole house, lock up stuff you don't want sitting out, put out guest sheets and towels and other linens, etc.

I want to get into the world of real estate investing to use leverage to not only generate cashflow, but also have others paying my mortgage building equity, but also allowing me to generate profits off a larger amount than I have due to loans that are also paid off by the renters.

Lastly, you can buy more properties, that will paydown sooner, and generate more income over all.

I'm also very lucky in that I have a good career that I enjoy, so I'm not looking to "quit my day job," as it were -- I would just like to get started in real estate investing to generate some additional income and/or build some long-term wealth.

There are also some who suggest against talking to a lawyer because they always seem to steer you towards the option that generates the most fees for them.  

I want a clean slate as fast as I can and sometimes I overdue it and then have nothing left for me.