Focus mainly on kitchen and bath remodeling for biggest bang for the buck return on appraisal value and appeal for buyers. 

Quartz countertops are durable and widely appealing, and neutral cabinet colors like white or light gray work well.

Texas is still appealing for first-time buyers, but affordability is getting tighter due to rising demand and property values.

Would it be worth it to invest in a less expensive unit just outside of the strip or is having a place within walking distance the biggest appeal?

We have a lot of cheap single-family homes in certain parts of Milwaukee and they have an irresistible appeal to new investors!

I like AHP but the 12% taxed as ordinary income wasnt as appealing as other investments with higher returns (but more hands on than AHP).

It will only cash flow about $150/door/month, but I tell you this to point out that cash-on-cash returns are nice to analyze, but I am getting to the point that something that cant be an infinite cash-on-cash return at some point in the near future just doesnt sound that appealing.  

Rehabilitation: After purchase, renovating the properties to make them livable and appealing to renters is the next step.

This appeals much more to me for two reasons.

Having someone to help you navigate challenges, anticipate issues, and give you personalized feedback as you build your own path is incredibly valuable, especially as you're just starting out.While paid options with specific systems might seem appealing, I agree with you that the key is finding someone who can provide ongoing, situational guidance, particularly someone who has experience in real-world application.