What tools or strategies are you using to stay ahead of the game?

I'm presently a facilities engineer by trade, who does some construction and maintenance for landlords on the side, hoping to get back into the private real estate game.

The odds of default go up significantly for those who have no skin in the game.

That being said real estate investing is typically a long game and with just 2 years under your belt you’ve just started.

It's all a part of the game. 

Ask your bartender or server for their information when you go out for the game on Sunday.

I don't think anyone has ever said anything about sheets, towels, Keurigs, wifi speed, tv stations, pack-n-plays, the games in the game room, the upgraded appliances, etc.

If your new servicer wants to play games, file a complaint with the CFPB and dispute with the credit bureaus.

The fact I can go to my kid's golf game today, yet still catch a vendor overcharging me $81 the day before on a SFR in Georgia makes me feel the systems that are in place, plus the ability to manage sacrifices has paid off.I've had the same team in most of businesses for almost 8 years, and have a growing RE team that continue to impress me. 

Suggest you get your game plan in place first then go forward once you have the goal in sight.