Whereas, if appreciation just follows inflation (no real gain) you reach your equity goal within 10 years, at the moment more like 3-5 years.In either case, it takes time. 

I took it as a learning moment.  

I personally am not investing at the moment. 

This is in terms of where i’d live and i know each and every one of these blocks like the back of my hand, but at the moment i wouldn’t invest where i wouldn’t like to live, which is why i invest specifically in these 2 neighborhoods because of how intimately i understand them.

Quote from @Christian Styles: Hey Luka, sorry you're not loving Cleveland at the moment, I'm interested to know specifically where your properties are located.

The associates I know at the moment aren't in this realm and I would like to have some sort of guidance moving into this next steps.So I'm looking for developers/mentors to help me move forward.

But if your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can help you think outside of the box by suggesting simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.Bottom LineStaging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and every home shines differently.

I have gotten a seller's credit for my 3 existing units but to be conservative, I will assume I am paying full closing costs here.At the moment, I have ~$25k in a HYSA and expect to save another $10k from my W-2 before I start putting offers in.

If the rehabber/contractor wants to pay me out, let them give me a price to walk away vs "demanding a fee" for lack of better terminology at the moment?

First, the amount of learning I did since that moment 15 years ago cannot possibly be overstated.