As you mentioned, it might be difficult timing the sales of each of properties where you can achieve a combined exchange (multiple properties into 1 property / or a few properties).Just a quick note that may be helpful - I work with a group of investors that can help with a combined exchange into a single property and will buy it back once you've found a replacement propertie(s) as the final destination for your capital.

Quote from @Lolo Druff: I've heard horror stories about awful property management companies and am looking for a REFERRAL for a trusted source from an investor.

I was intrigued with the prospect of buying distressed properties in bulk quantities and finding local investors who could rehab them and put them back on the market.

Hi Catherine,Welcome a board to Bigger Pockets, it's a great place to learn and Network with like minded investors. 

I was determined and wanted something that I could sustain for the long term for my family's livelihood and control the effort I put in and the results I got from that effort.I specialize in sourcing properties for fix and flip investors nationwide (wholesaling, but with real-world experience and closed profitable deals for myself and my investor partners) with a roadmap to acquire rental properties as finances permit.A lot of our deals are currently coming through organic search as I have a background in substantial traffic generation through search engine optimization and organic means.

I lived in NC for a while and work heavily work with realtors/investors in the area.

For instance, someone making $500k a year and living in a very highly appreciating market might be extremely happy on a deal that loses $200 a month but is getting 5% appreciation on a 2 million dollar property in San Diego, butut that doesn't make sense for the investor with 30k and a lower paying job.When it comes to the book series I agree with you that the order doesn't make sense (having read both).

If your rental property is occupied, there are different rules that apply for selling to an investor versus selling to a buyer who intends to occupy the property.

I hired a contractor with a solid reputation for working with international investors, and we agreed on a total cost of $495K, to be paid in stages.

As an out of state investor, I think STRs are now the way to go.