People were panicking about their roofs collapsing and willing to pay almost anything to get someone up there to shovel them off.

I haven’t done my first deal yet, but through hiring a local contractor to build my personal residence I had this idea that I don’t hear people talking about.

Not going to get into a discussion about people being able to do what they want in their house but in PA, recreational use is still illegal. 

You have excellent advice here from some people who didn't just get their knowledge of investing through a low rate, real estate risk off period.

Your biggest resource will be from people.

There's no step by step guide but there are key things : Learn: RE strategies, what interests you, what do people in your area need.Connect: find a mentor, accountability group and be around those doing what you want to do.Help: solve problems- do people need dealflow, property mgmt, construction expertise, etc. 

If people complain about something I dont go right away.

Lots of people love the La Fortuna area. 

McElhannon: I'm curious on peoples go to approach to secure financing for an investment property - use a broker? 

You'll learn what contractors are good at such repairs, and eventually people will start bringing you "problem properties" with that issue.Another related idea: contact a good local realtor and ask them if they know of any on or off market properties that would be a hard sell for most buyers.