You may be able to get into a more active strategy with less capital required since you are looking to do this full time.If you are relatively new to everything I would say spend some time reading and listening to podcasts.

They can’t review the “hot” deal their broker just sent them because they’re too busy categorizing emails in color coded category’; they can’t attend the on line networking session because they need to switch over to a more detailed CRM system; they can’t visit the property going up for auction because their scheduled weekly garage cleaning is running overtime…..The Student – This person never feels they have enough knowledge, experience or education to properly evaluate an investment.

A local bank might offer a more personal touch, but unless they provide something special like easier access to local vendors or better rates, national banks usually win on convenience.

However I agree with the Motion for summary judgment surrounding the QUIET TITLE action affirmed its likely NOT a collectable debt and YES we are getting a more firm legal opinion on that... 

There's smaller down payments and hopefully the numbers can make some sense that way and it's a more accessible entry point!

On a more local neighborhood basis, ask the locals which are the best elementary schools.

You will probably have to buy into a more "up and coming" neighborhood on the fringe of neighborhoods that are more established or desirable.

Is raising rent an option to get to a more ideal cash flow?

For a completely passive approach until you can find a more reputable management company, consider buying a publicly traded real estate investment trust like AMH or American home which buys thousands of individual single family residences, with very low cost of capital, manages them completely and you sit back and just collect passive 3.3% dividend per year, and a total return of 15.1% annualized per year over the past 10 years or a compound annual growth rate return of 10% a year at least until you can find a more trustworthy company.Obviously it's not as good as the returns of direct ownership, but it has some benefits, like zero personal liability, completely passive, comparable return to sp500, vast geographical diversification, etc. 

I have thought about trying to run a hard wire from the main property to the back property, but I was hoping someone here might have a more professional solution.