She asked my opinion and I suggested removing a few items from the front - which she appreciated.

I highly suggest getting your feet wet in your local market if possible if you plan to rehab or manage the property yourself.

But I'd suggest you definitely partner with an experienced investor.

Paid a top local esigner to come have a look and all she did was insult our cute little place that was doing just fine.....But I think where a designer could add value is by suggesting unique areas, like game rooms, coffee bars, outdoor BBQ/play areas, and stuff like that. 

I would suggest having a conversation to understand why they made the decisions they made.

While I'm not in Indy, I might suggest you share some more details of what you're looking for in this coffee meeting and/or share what part of the real estate world you're most interested in learning about for this first meeting. 

I would suggest getting Dave Ramsey's book called The Total Money Makeover and read that.

The only other question I would suggest is that you do engage a property management company to review your quad and review your monthly financials.

As a former house hacker myself, I'd suggest you try not to get too close (in terms of friendship) with your tenants - the tenant/landlord relationship can make it tricky to become friends.Do you have a price range or down payment amount that you're targeting?

I’d really appreciate any insights or suggestions!