As a beginner investor based in the Seattle metro area, I'm eager to learn from your experiences and share my journey as I get started in this field.My current strategy is to focus on live-and-flip for the first three deals (looking for my second deal) to gain hands-on experience while building equity and learning the ins and outs of renovation and the local market. 

The building next to yours looks much nicer and has THREE security vehicles parked in front.

It is a 4-Unit property where we are living in one unit and renting out the other three.

I'm quite new as an investor, but with three books by Biggerpockets authors under my belt and plenty of enthusiasm, I'm ready to keep learning and to connect with like-minded people in my area and beyond.

Quote from @Michael Poloncic: Three individuals signed a lease together, all friends, the lease is set up where each of them are expected to pay 1/3 of the rent.

How long did it take to complete those first three builds?

If all three units are on long-term leases that don't expire soon, you'll likely exclude many potential buyers. 

I’m no longer house hacking, and all three units are rented out, generating a total of $8,200/month in rental income.

Without a firm base and working familiarity with these three areas the investor will not have the knowledge to analyze, negotiate and close advantageous real estate transactions. 2- Experience - the first few deals are likely to be smaller, harder, with more “surprises” and not as profitable as the investor imagined.

I’ve come to understand, investment companies and successful investors do three things.