What type of strategies and paths forward if you were in my shoes as a professional handyman and home remodeler?  

What won’t matter much is the label of “business” versus something adjacent.If I were in your shoes, I would:- Get licensed- Work around high-volume operators or investment brokers- Invest small and often- Use school strategically, not passivelyReal-world reps compound faster than classroom theory in this space.You’re already ahead by thinking about this intentionally.

Thanks in advance@Ali Attaran I've been in your shoes and I can tell you exactly what property manager not to hire and which one to go with judging by my own experience owning a rental in Killen. 

I am eager to start but can't get around the glaring issue of not having initial capital so I was wondering if there are any methods you guys would use to raise capital if you were in my shoes or is it just time to put my head down and put in long hours? 

What would be the first steps if you were in my shoes?

Management is everything if you’re not there full-time.If I were in your shoes, I’d scale in the U.S. first where you know the system, build equity and liquidity, then buy in Italy more as a lifestyle asset that offsets costs rather than expecting big returns.

Hey @Anthony Liberatore , I'm here in the VB market, and I have been in your shoes.

I have cameras in common areas one of which shoes the driveway. 

So as a much older investor in Philly, here is my take and what I would have done back when I was in your shoes. 

Many investors in your shoes pivot to Midwest markets, duplexes, triplexes, or small quads that go for a fraction of SoCal prices, can cash flow from day one, and let you recycle capital fast through BRRRR or even house hacking locally.