At this time the primary goal is passive income and then scale within 5 years as I gain more experience and network. 

At the same time you're figuring that all out, get your brother and friend under a lease, or at least, a written agreement both parties can agree on.

this depends on three things:1) your work ethic and personality2) your hunting and acquisition budget3) your timeTIME: If you're working full time, door knocking is out of the question.

It helped me avoid wasting time on areas that were too expensive or not a good fit.I also recommend to look for markets with strong, diverse economies and job growth.

My career has been centered around helping businesses scale through strategic sales initiatives, but I’m now channeling that same drive into real estate investing to build long-term wealth.My wife and I are in our early 40s, both work full-time, and are raising four amazing kids.

When I bought my first place in Birmingham, the property manager at the time said they would not deal with Section 8 unless the tenants were inherited. 

Building long term partnerships and not a one time deal.

i have my tenants switch out their air filters 4 times a year at least

They might have ideas for credit improvements, debt pay downs, etc to help you get there in 2 years time. 

A conflicting Buyer Agency Agreement is one that overlaps in scope, time, and/or conditions with the current Agreement" but also includes the condition, "Buyer reserves the right to work with multiple agents."