There is too much to learn at once. 

Personally that is what I wanted, an active mentor. 

You will learn so much more being hands-on!

I'm going to be doing all the research and execution, and I would self-manage the co-living at least the 1st year or two to learn it.

Heck, maybe they want to learn what to look for.

LESSON LEARNED!

It was a learning experience but I made it work in the end.Mine was a 5 unit commercial building that needed a gut renovation, similar to yours. 

I personally am interested in creating a long-term rental portfolio but I'd be interested in hearing any strategy, ie. house flipping, short term rentals etc.

Good learning experience for you, but better to learn by working with a good agent and saving money until you have done at least 10-15 deals, rather than learning by making mistakes and leaving money on the table IMHO.   

I learned this when I bought 12 new builds for GOZONE tax bene's really nice brick homes in best part of town but values just did not rise enough so by the time i had to change everything out and pay sales commish it was break even at best..