They're essentially a partner that's vested in the deal, and a second pair of eyes.

That "plumber friend" should have realized those water keys can usually be turned with a pair of pliers or crescent wrench.

No duct work needed just a pair of small tubes and a couple of wires to each " head " mounted on wall, small condenser unit sits outside. 1100 sq ft probably 2 heads depending on layout of house.

If I were you and if you’re a hard worker see if you can pool together maybe 10 pair up with an investor and put everything you have into it.

Appreciation and cash flow are wonderful as a pair.

Pair up with a local realtor, express to them what you want to do and your investment goals and start making offers! 

It’s good way to start out, although it can suck having an HOA for a newbie HOA can be an extra pair of eyes and eliminate some Cap Expenses like roof & maintenance like landscaping while you get your feet wet.Don’t get me wrong I cringed when I got my first assessment and first HOA hike so there’s positives & negatives just keep in mind if the majority of owners in HOA are investors might be hard to get finance and always make sure you are allowed to rent units I’ve read older post of investors buying a condo and not realizing HOA doesn’t allow to rent unit..

And sometimes it's nice getting a second pair of (disinterested) eyes on things.

Find a local mentor who is doing what your looking to do and pair up with him/her.

I don't know if the attitude is thanks for fixing up a house or get out of here, you are driving up prices.Next to oru house is a pair of condos that just sold for over $300k; down the street is a SFR that just sold for over $300k.15 years ago houses were <$50k in this area.