These investors were looking for Passive income, but they didn’t realize they had to fill the role as an Investment banker and they didn’t have the skill set or systems to do that.  

Since there are often different entities, there are different skills and systems needed.With that said, I can tell you are definitely better at building systems that I am (I have built up some best practices, but they mostly reside in my head).

House hacking can also be a solid way to offset expenses early on.It sounds like you're diving in with a great mindset and skill set—being handy and managing yourself puts you ahead of the game. 

I frequent the MKE events.Leverage Your Skills: Highlight your project management expertise and strong contractor relationships when negotiating deals.

The great thing about living in a high cost of living area is that your salary / wages are hopefully also very high.If you are a new college grad, I would focus the next 1-3 years on increasing your salary as much as possible(gain new skills, new certifications, change employers, etc).Once you make more money, you can easily get in a position to buy a property on a more frequent basis.Best of luck!

For active investing it is also helpful to have some type of advantage that sets you apart from other investors - that could be construction or rehab skills, market knowledge or anything else that gives you an edge.I was an active investor and didn't really have any of those skills.  

I recommend working for someone while you sharpen your skills.

I find it disturbing how many "business models" are all about suckering people into buying and even use skillful wording to deceive people into signing up.

But the NAHB also reiterated evidence of an ongoing labor shortage, saying, “The ongoing skilled labor shortage in the construction labor market and lingering inflation impacts account for the recent acceleration in wage growth.”For now, the hot market is still rolling.

@Henry Clark Your writing skills is excellent.I learned & enjoyed at the same time.