And as much as I KNOW I need to be patient, it kills me to sit on the sidelines with no active flips or STRs....I have even started dabilling in some out of state markets like Ohio (vs Boston area)

There is a lot of dry powder sitting on the sidelines deciding what to do. 

That is 100% accurate, but knowing you can get out makes you much more likely to go for it and get off the sidelines as a new investor.

I'm choosing to sit on the sidelines for a while until it can be figured out.

We determined that there were just too many opportunities to stay on the sidelines.

I have been waiting on the sidelines to buy a home since 2006.

Unless you are already wealthy, you will sit on the sidelines for many many years trying to save up enough cash to buy a property that could likely be leveraged with an investment loan very easily.I think #5 contradicts #1.

I had stayed on the side line for a few years jut reading until I finally just had to do something.Get a better idea of ARV before you buyHow to deal with lendersHow to write up a leaseHow to deal with tenantsWhat types of houses to go after (niche)To stop working IN the businessI am still learning and shaping the business but I can't wait for the next deal.

I have no idea where out market is going and will probably sit it out on the sideline. 

You could sit on the sidelines a long time to find such a purchase.