Take your time and don't let FOMO distract you from your long term goals. 20 years from now, it won't matter whether you bought a house this year or next.

Since you already have experience with both short-term and long-term rentals, house hacking a duplex could be a smart next move.

I heard plenty of podcasts to give the appraiser a folder showing upgrades to the property, comps in the area, etc.

Welcome to the community! 

You might also meet title agents who have resources on, say, foreclosures or probates…and might recommend lenders who actually lend on more difficult projects (as the title companies also know which lenders can close and which are difficult).I also go visit open houses to see what sorts of finish to put on my renovations or to look for the next house or area in which to purchase.  

I do the same tropes of things in the Tampa Florida market.  

Planning to sell and 1031 into 2 similar properties in the Columbus, Ohio area in the next 1-2 years.

I recently came in contact with a RE investor who is farther down the line in his career than I am.

The issue I have is that I am struggling to find serious partners to work with.

Best tips are take it slow and make sure you have significant reserves when you leave your w2 also don't buy a company car if you already have a car just to say it's for work.