We would like to learn about how we should have went about it so that we can purchase more properties, minimize mistakes, and reduce our reliance on corporate life.

You can't decide which one to choose based on the minimal information you provided.

This is my third year investing with my mini me 12 year old and this is our 5th deal.My 12 year old found us a great deal- I teamed up with my friend and family member agreed to pay purchase and renovations.

If you’re set on condos, ensure you’re targeting areas with strong rental demand and minimal HOA restrictions.Regarding an LLC, it’s great for liability protection, but it won’t necessarily give you tax benefits unless structured strategically.

Obviously tough to give advice based on minimal info and no info on your personal situation.

It’s on the rise but you just have to be selective regarding location and try to go for turnkey or keep it minimal regarding rehab  So you don’t have a nightmare story trying to manage a rehab from Out of Town. 

Water is a lienable utility here so I would minimize putting the bill in the tenant's hands unless you're certain that it will be paid.If you need a plumber in the Wilkes-Barre area I'd recommend Billy Smith of No B.S.

To minimize upfront costs, explore down payment assistance programs, creative financing strategies like seller financing, or rent-to-own agreements. 

, I really need to keep it simple and minimize risk since I live abroad.

Insurance companies want to fix it the cheapest way possible, and their goal is to minimize out-of-pocket expenses like this one.