You don't know I got my bachelor's in business in 11 months or my MBA in 4.5, or that I live with high-functioning C-PTSD and still manage to strength train, own two businesses currently, go to therapy or take ice showers all without someone sitting by my side telling me I have to do it. 

You must keep the tenants security deposit at a bank that physically operates a branch office in the State of NC.  

They can stop showings by:- Being very negative during showings- Leaving a minor alone in the home- Leaving a large dog in the home- Threatening physical violenceYes, you can start eviction process over these, but the tenant will have moved out before any progress on the case!

Undertaking all tasks independently while managing the property for a year also yielded insights into:* Labor-intensive projects* The physical and emotional toll of renovations* Financial constraints* Project timelines and management* Interior design principles* Plumbing systems* Ventilation systems* Budgetary planningDid you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

If you can’t verify licensing, a physical office, and a real phone number, walk away.Trust your gut.

I have a PhD in physics.

I kind of assume a management company so you dont have to physically be available? 

Reactive Problem-SolvingOperators know problems are inevitable — so they design response systems in advance.Maintenance Matrix: Document common issues (WiFi reset, HVAC troubleshooting, breaker panel locations) with photo guides stored in a digital binder accessible to staff/guests.On-Call Vendors: Build a bench of reliable local contractors (plumber, electrician, cleaner, handyman) with pre-negotiated response times.Tech Monitoring: Use smart sensors for noise, water leaks, and thermostats to prevent issues before they spiral.Communication SOPs: Response time targets (under 5 minutes for urgent issues, under 30 minutes for minor concerns).System: Crisis Playbook Binder — a digital + physical binder with scripts, vendor contacts, and SOPs for every common guest problem.6.

The downside is illiquidity (you’re often locked in for 5–7 years) and the risk depends heavily on the operator you choose.Since you’re new and investing from Hawaii, I’d suggest a hybrid approach:Start with 1–2 SFRs to get comfortable owning physical real estate.Keep multifamily on your radar for cash flow and scale.Consider syndications only for a smaller slice of your portfolio (think “venture capital” money) until you’re confident with operators and the model.End of the day, the property type matters — but who you trust to manage the asset is the bigger factor, especially when you’re thousands of miles away.

Figure out other ways to de-stress your life so you can keep your W2 for as long as possible - outsourcing disliked tasks, working on mental/physical health, shorter commute, etc...Retirement seems like an emotional state of relatively low stress and contentment.