Biggerpockets has a ton of free accountability groups which will keep you on track for your first investment and also teach you along the way! 

That's awesome- I'm glad successful REI's like you are keeping their minds fresh & strong and open for new ideas :) 

It takes work, training, skill and perseverance, and once you get the hang of it, they keep coming along.,  

I think keeping it simple but nice is best.

Keep the focus on the lease; it rules - and he signed it.  

I do not look for or go after the leads because of ONE thing I keep on preaching.

I'm also seeing lots of homes for sale that were used as Airbnbs, so I'm wondering if that along with these numbers may indicate it's an overly saturated market, and if these are signs that maybe I should keep searching for a stronger market, or just a property that cash flows given the average annual revenue?

Yes they usually have HOAs and that could be an advantage to keep property values up.

Keeping it real here.

I’m also open to exploring short-term rentals, private lending, or passive investing in funds—anything that maximizes returns while keeping risk and time commitments manageable.For context, I’d consider leaving my job if this could become a full-time venture that surpasses my current compensation (low-mid six figures).