There are so many veterans who have carved nice paths in real estate investing all over the site and as guests on podcasts that you can learn from as well.

If it's managed well by a professional, you are more likely to succeed, grow an appreciation for it, and maybe take over management some day. 

I want to learn how to do this the right way, without coming across as overly focused on profits.If you have any tips or experiences to share, I’d be incredibly grateful.

My grandfather used this truth to subdivide & sell most of his farmland in rural MA and sustain his family comfortably over the years.  

Quote from @Briley Roe:  yes those fees are very high as you have a broker fee and other fees for a loan little over $100k at 6+ points. 

It took the owner over 2 years but he has the permits now.

The tax benefits of S-corporations are widely misunderstood and over-promoted.

Nothing wrong with partnerships - I have used one to scale way faster than I would have on my own because he brought skills I didn’t have - but if you can do a deal on your own first to get a better understanding of the entire process it may help you identify what you need from a partner and what types of things should be in the operating agreement.As for the operating agreement, be sure you sit down with an experienced attorney who will help go over the dozens of scenarios that may come up and how you would like to handle them. 

Your goals don’t need to be overly complicated.

I do it on the daily for buyers from all over the US.