If you are good at saving and have a strong foundation you can be riskier, leverage more. 

I successfully run 1 STR and have a 2nd that an inherited PM handles.I have Vrbo and Airbnb they will sync with each other with no external software.I set pricing easily by using the built in tools that Vrbo provides.Automated messages are built into both platforms.Vrbo keeps my calendar slammed, but I take direct bookings as needed, simple to do.I have no additional 3rd party fees to very sucessfuly run and manage my property needing only a a few minutes per week.

He paid for common area access, built a bed in his Land Cruiser, pocketed the rent but we had agreement on what the pocketed money could be spent on (seeing we were paying the rent). 

I just know that when we had french drains installed around the house foundation and redid all the drainage systems in the yard they were 4' deep and they made sure that the slope was sufficient for the task.

They seem to have good number of properties under 100K built in and around 2000's.

Yes, agreed, I don't know where I got the idea you built and carried, may be was a comment from you yesteryears where you did a few.

By holding onto those properties, you'll be savoring the sweet taste of appreciation and cash flow, laying the foundations of a solid empire for generations to come.A long-term mindset is key to building lasting wealth in real estate.

I suspect most of those folks will  be somewhat upside down if you take in all the interest they paid on half built homes and the cost to put those homes back into production.How are lot prices in Lehigh ??

By this time next year, we aim to have invested in our first rental property and improved our credit, setting a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.I am open to any knowledge or advice anyone has to give as I am currently learning about real estate investing. 

Opportunities like this don't come along often and can be the foundation for your future.You just need to know what repairs are going to come due and when, and start learning about how to be a landlord.