Basically, this made me realize that I need to define my goals a bit more clearly...anybody else felt like a failure after making 5k? 

If you have a builder that you felt good with, ask him what it would take to have his rubber stamp the job and use his subs, but let you handle the subs and all aspects of the job.

I think great photos are one of the most important aspects of marketing. 

Aaron Hall what do you define as a long time?

I guess I feel like I've been overloading myself with information and needed to focus on certain aspects of the flipping business, and you've definitely provided that so thank you.

What aspect are you looking into pursuing?

I’ve been reading through the forums on a regular basis, I’ve read “Set for Life” recently, and I worked through creating my own rental calculator like Scott did in the book to try and better understand all of the money related aspects that go into a rental property.

I have excellent drive and motivation, and I feel my background in banking gives me an advantage to understanding the different types of loans and the finer portions of the lending aspect, since most people seem to finance homes. 

@Keong Kam Depends on how you define a "bad" syndication.

Define buying criteria that is comfortable for you, and be aggressive in your negotiations and patient in waiting for the right property.