If you don't/won't have WiFi then you should either consider a SimpliSafe system that you can move around from house to house, or some type of Trail cameras like hunters use for identifying game areas.

What tools or strategies are you using to stay ahead of the game?

Once you’ve made all of the rookie mistakes and have your SOPs in order, you can go invest out of state with a game plan.

For example I know many who are now just lending because they are getting 10-12% short term which is far better than any cap rate on real estate. you do not have the equity upside as you do real estate but its a way to play the short game to see what happens over the next 12-24 months and decide when you want to buy.

That is an upfront game plan with numbers that should be somewhat fail proof if done correctly.Lastly dont forget that 85% of people who take out a HELOC end up doing a refinance within 3 years to consolidate into one loan. 

The brother and his son had been living in the house, free of charge, for years, and were gaming the system.

Paid a top local esigner to come have a look and all she did was insult our cute little place that was doing just fine.....But I think where a designer could add value is by suggesting unique areas, like game rooms, coffee bars, outdoor BBQ/play areas, and stuff like that. 

Figuring out the best areas to invest can be a game-changer.

I'm presently a facilities engineer by trade, who does some construction and maintenance for landlords on the side, hoping to get back into the private real estate game.

I am new to the game and using the FHA loan has just seemed to be the most common way to house hack (at least in terms of what the resources I have read have said).