I like the idea of focusing on bathrooms, curb appeal, and opening up the kitchen/living space.I’m definitely working on building a solid team, especially with real estate professionals who understand investor deals.

I really like the idea of leveraging local contacts for walkthroughs and feedback.

At least plan B does not sound a complete bad idea now.Thank you!

I am looking for any recommendations on how to properly scale this idea over the first few years conservatively and not wanting to over use leverage and debt by starting small in duplex and being open to triple/quadplex in the future if the right opportunity presents itself.

Do you recommend I property manage this myself, or would that be a bad idea. 

I would hold the cash for keys idea in my back pocket until I heard what they have to say.

I have recently been made aware that I get straight to business without really concerning myself for the sellers side of the story and when you have the sellers problems, goals, etc.

From there, I try to figure out why this house isn't selling, and if I'm still interested I'll make an offer at a price that works at my numbers.Other than that, yes I think it is a great idea to dig deeper into more creative methods of finding deals - wholesalers, direct mail, door knocking, networking, etc.

Would it be a good idea to get a real estate license and work in real estate or are there other options to get in Missouri to get real estate experience without a license? 

Quote from @Samuel Coronado: Keeping it is a bad idea.