Another teacher I know trades stocks on the side and does well with that. 

I want a specialist that's an expert, and not a jack of all trades and master of none.

I'm an electrical engineer by trade, so I think I've got a good handle on the technical content, but the wording and legal may need help.  

I often do site visits to the property and then design/draw the hvac/plumbing systems for the building.From what I gather below the following would all fall under "real property trades":"The statute lists 11 types of real property trades or businesses: real property development, redevelopment, construction, reconstruction, acquisition, conversion, rental, operation, "I believe that my line of work can be classified under "real property development", "construction", "conversion".

Don't limit yourself to targeting 8 units, as @Robert Rixer said focus on the numbers of the deal, and make sure you are comfortable with the risk/reward trade off. 

I regret almost every property I have sold early on, except the ones in rougher areas - I am glad I traded up.Your next move should be a house hack with 5% down. 

I likely will take only speculate in these areas to trade the equity and consolidate out.

I have about 3 years of experience flipping and building houses, as well as an associates degree in a trade, about 2 years of drywall/paint experience, around 1 year of commercial/residential electric experience, and about 3 years of landscaping experience. 

Many of these financial advisors make money based on the portfolio and/or trades made.

He is a master at his trade, has fair pricing and is a great human.