But unless you get a value-add property, purchasing real estate really doesn't make much sense in this environment?

My sentiments are a bit similar to other commentors, slow but assured progress is best especially in this interest rate environment.

There are risks too, when buying condemned and burned-out houses because you may not be able to control the environment where these properties exist.

These are the best options for finding sellers willing to transact in today's market at cap rates that make sense to the current interest rate environment, in order to capitalize on the upcoming favorable market conditions over the next few years such as spiking rent growth, falling vacancy, and compressing cap rates.Interest Rate ProjectionsLooking at the Federal Reserves Dot Plot, which is released every quarter and is the federal reserves outlook on where they believe the Fed Funds Rate, which does not control fixed-rate financing but does influence it, as well as directly affects floating rate financing, is predicted to be 3% - 3.25% by Year End 2027 (Source), currently sitting at 4.25% - 4.5% today.

That’s why I’m here.I’ve been through different cycles in the industry, from booming markets to downturns, and I’ve always been fascinated by how investors and professionals adapt and find success in any environment.

A few chapters in, I can't help but wonder—do the strategies outlined in the book still hold up in today’s higher interest rate environment?

I'm not sure if they still have that in this current rate environment but they do exist. 

DSCR loans are a great resource, especially in today's rate environment.

I met an investor broker and am considering becoming an RE agent to gain experience and surround myself with the network and environment of real estate investors. 

If you are doing it yourself with the current interest rate environment, like Bruce said, it'll be a functionality of how much you're leaving in the deal.