Whether you're interested in residential properties, commercial spaces, or real estate investment trusts (REITs), there are various strategies and approaches to consider.Real estate investing also involves understanding market trends, economic indicators, and demographic shifts.

Your understanding of NOI, deal negotiation, and long-term strategy are assets that make you stand out. 

Title might be confusing, I'm asking for help or input on what other people have found success doing, not claiming to have any sort of sound strategy myself!!

My strategy is buy-and-hold, not buy-and-sell.

I'm inferring from this post that your marketing strategy has a lot of... steps... to it. 

Now, it's time to explore your investment strategy. 

I would trade the 7.5% I am chasing with my "barbell strategy" (of 40-45% commercial real estate syndications) for a 17.5% return gained in active investing.

You may save a few thousand dollars going this route, but may lose a few hundred thousand dollars if you are not dialing in on your strategy and numbers. 

A good way to get an understanding of how to get into STR is :STRATEGY: Start Up Guide to Short Term Rental Investing 

There are several hurdles during the process:Find the deal - Unless you are marketing or plugged into a community where there are opportunities, it isn't always easy to find the right dealsEvaluate the deal - Without professional guidance and research tools, it is difficult for a newbie investor to evaluate and ARV/FMV or create an adequate rehab budgetSecondary exit strategies - If things don't go as planned are their other opportunities to exit profitably.