I work a full time job and overtime with my family so I don't have nearly enough time to devote to the value-add/investor model that I've been trying to work with.

However, i would remind all of us of the obvious point that Bigger Pockets is a website devoted to direct investing in real estate. 

I too think there should be a section devoted to these types of experiences.

Streets must either be devoted to public use and maintenance, or private streets protected by permanent recorded Easements.The remaining economic life, as determined by the appraisal, must be greater than or equal to the term of the proposed mortgage.

So far I have read several great books and the 3 that I would highly recommend are:1) ABC's of Real Estate Investing by Ken McElroy (don't let the name fool you, it is 100% devoted to apartment investing)2) Wheelbarrow Profits by Jake Stenziano & Gino Barbaro3) Muilt-Family Millions by David Lindahl (as @John Zoulis @Logan Turner @Ned Carey have already mentioned)Best of luck on your journey!

And there is an organization somewhere devoted specifically to tenants rights in Chicago but I don't know the name of it.  

Since we've had to stay in Miami for some time and will likely be here for a while I've studied and devoted a bit of time to the residential 'wholesaling' thing with the thought that doing so would force me to learn how to 'buy it right', estimate repair costs, and make connections with other investors and tradesmen.

How much time do you devote to being a GC?

I'm also looking into buy and flips if the situation is right.i have a super secure job and a decent amount of money saved up, also i work 4pm to midnight so i have all day to devote to investing.I'm excited to continue my learning process and getting to know everyone along the way!

If you don't give up residential, how do you plan to compete against commercial brokers who devote 100% of their time and effort to that niche?