This includes the biggest I've worked on who had ~$1b in revenue. 

Granted that relationship likely took years and a few transactions to cultivate.The 3 biggest mistakes I see new investors make when "shopping":1) Tunnel vision on the interest rate. 

It’s still a journey for me, and I’ve realized how essential surrounding yourself with a strong community can be in overcoming these obstacles.Question for everyone: I’m curious, what’s been your biggest challenge in building a strong real estate network?

There is no downside to getting a HELOC, except that if you apply this year, most likely you will be getting a interest rate that will be around 7%-8%.

Were those the 2 biggest items on a report?

The biggest advantage of having a good buyers agent to me is the comps they know to better value your potential property, the digital offer PSA and connections to a good inspector and lender. 

What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve faced when starting a new construction project?

To get back to one of your original questions, I am a member of CTREIA and @Raymond B. is spot-on in his assessment: the biggest value is in the networking.

The biggest changes were simply making the place new buy re-painting in neutral colors, replacing some very bold colors they had before; such as the dark red dining room.

That being said I’m Submetering a 5 unit currently and the biggest expense was the actual meters which my electrician directed us to the exact product he wanted and told us to buy it off EBay.