My strategy is the long game, buy and hold, build equity and cash flow down the road.

Oakland, Berkeley, San Diego the rules will likely be, or has already been,  changed mid game so the 15 year limit is not reality.  

Person new to real estate trying to get in the “game” with little or no capital and trying creatively.  

And if you’re listing the house online, try platforms like LoopNet or local Facebook groups for real estate or community housing.Just make sure to do your homework and ask for references, check their track record, and make sure they’re following any local zoning or licensing rules.

Real estate investing is a team sport and at different points in the game different players will play more important roles.

I've seen a lot of bad excel templates online...

I have not reviewed BAM's fees but it's likely based on their representation of UNDER 10% "skin in the game" that most of their "investment" is taken from fees deducted from the money gamblers place with them and counted as equity in the deal; this is a common practice in the syndication industry. 

Let’s be honest, I’ve watched folks who jump into this game as if playing roulette.. firing off offers on duplexes in Phoenix or leaning on some “sure-thing” house hack in Austin without ever sketching out their plan.

For example, I would place one in the game room if it is located on the opposite end of the hallway from the bathroom.

And answering your phone calls while watching the games does not turn your living room into a home office.