These typically spark other peripheral inquiries that tend to help better inform how we structure the deal. 

Find a partner that knows how to run things, and you create the vision.

@Wendy Leeman Of course your goals are important and the big vision should be in the background always.

I have found that to be a good place to start and use to develop your why, your vision, your mission, and your goals.

I could easily just work the regular 40 hrs and be complacent, but I have a vision that one day I will be out of the rate race and have generational wealth to pass on to my 2 kids.

Get clear on what you're trying to accomplish, set goals that fit that vision and take daily action to get there!

Partnering with investors not only helps grow now, but establishes the trust and relationship over next 18 months, which is important because these same investors are who we are partnering with when we go national, they get first dibs on expanding to other states under their leadership/vision. 

Definitely prefer the vision of house hacking with say a four plex and living in one of the units.

Get good at working with people, setting expectations, being super clear on what it is you are trying to accomplish etc...My recommendations for books to get started:ABCs of Real Estate Investing - Ken McElroyVivid Vision- Cameron Herold (yes not specifically real estate related, but important when starting out!)

Cameras change the game, pure and simple, especially cameras with digital recording, night vision, web upload capabilities, motion detection spotlights.