It takes a few buildings to cut your teeth, but it's worth it and can really open up inventory in a tight market that we're in (for 2-4's in Chicago at least). 

I only have about 10k in there so far though, and the market is starting to move sideways in terms of stocks, so Ill have to grit my teeth and put in some extra hours for that down payment.

I think you're officially in Phase 2 --Pase 1: earn your degree in the real estate school of hard knocks, occasionally getting your teeth kicked in.Pase 2: Become successful and get tired of the same day to day nuances.

If you pain the face and end plate along with the doors, make sure the cabinets are cleaned with TSP (it strips off grease), lightly sanded and you use an enamel paint or something suitable for cabinets. 

Using expensive Valspar cabinet enamel is the key too.

For kitchen cabinets, Sherwin's line of Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is a decent choice. 

I call my property management company frequently and they keep saying "we are in the process of sending a vendor out"....Even getting an estimate for the repairs is like pulling teeth.  

So there is a lot to sink your teeth into depending on your style and what properties you are looking for.

Honolulu recently passed a bill that gives some pretty intimidating enforcement teeth to an existing law, which takes effect Aug. 1st. 

(Great place for a rookie to cut his REI teeth, right?)