You need reliable, on the books W-2 income to invest. 

They are usually the vendors who are least reliable. 

We're still constrained by energy, until there's a (reliable) solution for that we won't see this world change in front of our eyes like some think.

I have a development and consulting company and last year I launched our Local Real Estate Developer company and courses to teach others how to be the developer in their community.

, and blogs, and consider consulting with real estate experts for professional advice.

Consult a Professional: Given the complexity and variability of these regulations, it is advisable to consult with a real estate attorney or a professional specializing in mortgage notes to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.For detailed and accurate information, please contact your state’s regulatory authority and seek professional advice.

To be clear, I never facilitate both the Real Estate & Mortgage roles in any single transaction, but I do when possible try to work within my own organization or team for cohesiveness and reliability of transactions. 

After consulting my realtor I discovered the ARV would only be about $60,000 and that it was going to take about 10 years to get my money back and likely 10 years to get the value of the property up consistent with what I had put into it.

I have read a few books and thought the person should have consulted a professional instead of an "Editor".  

It helps you find reliable property management partnerships and gives you everything you need to make confident hiring decisions:Expert Matching: Match with professionals who meet your criteriaExtra Assurance: Licenses, experience, ratings, reviews, and more that can be cross-checked with BiggerPockets membersBonus Content: Receive an essential interactive workbook: “How to Interview Property Management Companies