Be patient and don't let your emotions cause you to overbid.

We found great satisfaction in being debt free.... fast forward and I realize that we missed the great garage sale of all real estate garage sales.

Be patient and make sure the numbers make sense. 

I like a sale and am used to being patient in the stock market when others are fearful. 

I'm sure there will be others in the future that would work and I'm patient. 

You need to extend closing long enough to confirm the damage will be 100% repaired to your satisfaction.

Being patient and persistent paid off in the end!

Seeing the updates, I would say look at the cost of your financing in more detail and be a little patient in your renovation. 

I would say the biggest pointer will be to be patient, offer as soon as you see something that makes sense and come in with your best offer up front.

1 -MAke it a habit for self development and be patient with that ,  2- Network (but be humble) ,      3 - Always be the giver, ( don't try to network with the intention of what can they do for you, ) but how can I add to them  ( and if something happens, cool and both can be in a symbiotic relationship. 4- Make Sure YOur vision is bigger than Real Estate itself.. cos you will encounter a lot of set backs and you want to make sure your vision push you through it .   5 - Never think RE is black and white . ( ill semi quote a Bruce lee quote, I encourage you to google it)  Be like water , cos it has the ability to shape in any form ..