I'm not sure why not - one of the great parts about real estate investing is that you can build a team around you for aspects you aren't as strong at or simply want to delegate to someone/expert and do the others yourself - look up "Core 4" for example - where you can have an agent, lender, manager, contractor all at once for your investments and can theoretically just let them do all the interactive work

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

I really want to do local meetups and interact with more advanced investors but don’t know where to start.

As I approach my move out strategy where I will be converting my upper unit into a STR, I often think of guest interaction amongst the two units.

Again, you market should dictate how you interact with tenants but generally speaking partial rent payments shouldn't be reasonable.

I'd encourage you to be tight with your lease & learn the local laws so you are compliant.You will definitely be a young landlord but how you handle yourself will set the stage.

@Paola AstridRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Hi Ben, I'm way new to this and I'm not as far along as you are, but I wanted to say I can relate to feeling alternately encouraged and then like my dreams might be unattainable.

Hello everyone,My name is Matt Rulnick, and I am a Residential Real Estate Agent in Charlotte, NC.I was just introduced to this forum via an Investor Client, and look forward to getting acclimated and interacting with ya'll.If there is anything I can do to assist prospective buyers and sellers in the Charlotte, NC area, don't hesitate to reach out.Matt RulnickMatt.SearchCharlotte.com

This ensures that any settlement check will be issued to you AND the tenant - and that you can interact with the insurance provider.