By tapping into my network and refining my negotiation skills, I opened up a world of possibilities—opportunities to grow my portfolio faster and smarter.Off-market deals have become the backbone of my real estate strategy, allowing me to grow my portfolio faster with less stress.

Toilet is held by 2 bolts and nuts and any skilled person can replace it in 10 minutes unless it has cast iron waste line or an uneven floor.

My advice to anyone with a job, is keep your job, but learn the skills of real estate investing.

I’m not skilled in repairs and live in a high-cost, tenant-friendly area, what would be the best way to invest my money?

That being said, this is mainly doable for folks taking on cosmetic rehabs with great time management/construction management skills.

Quote from @Jared W Smith: In commenting on your 2nd point, an Architect familiar with development vs an Architect that does other types of work each have different skill sets @Robert Frazier. 

I frequent the MKE events.Leverage Your Skills: Highlight your project management expertise and strong contractor relationships when negotiating deals.

These investors were looking for Passive income, but they didn’t realize they had to fill the role as an Investment banker and they didn’t have the skill set or systems to do that.  

House hacking can also be a solid way to offset expenses early on.It sounds like you're diving in with a great mindset and skill set—being handy and managing yourself puts you ahead of the game. 

I recommend working for someone while you sharpen your skills.