I'm seeking information on what NOT to do, and what I MUST do if I want to have a chance at at being successful. 

Whether or not you are in line with the masses notion of what is deemed an acceptable rate of return or whatnot, is not always relevant. 

I feel like I'm reading people's life stories and learning so many things about what to do, and what NOT to do!

Learn from David on what to do and what not to do.  

I learned a lot of what not to do in partnerships with this past situation.

Either way, you would have learned what not to do.  

You’ll likely overpay some but you have to factor in the risk difference.That’s what not really ever talked about here

When an agent calls me I run their properties through the spreadsheet to see if it's even worth my time looking at them, many times they aren't, and have to explain to an agent (And sometimes they're extremely established) what cash-on-cash return is, along with cost basis and whatnot.

Stack that with a last-minute trip to South Korea to visit family, and now your LO has an anecdote to share about what NOT to do that involves you running around Seoul at 4 am local time trying to find a copy shop that is open. 

I learned a lot from reading this post, especially whatnot yo do.