I have a lot more research to do before being comfortable with apartment buildings, duplexes, etc, but I'm exploring that as well.if there's any must-have resource I should look into or consider please let me know. thanks!

Since you’re already diving into BiggerPockets, focus on clarifying your investment goals (house hacking, multifamily, or BRRRR), building your network with experienced investors and lenders, and most importantly, taking action by analyzing real deals.

But you will never see the appreciation that truly builds wealth, because those low-barrier-to-entry properties will stay flat on the metric that matters: appreciation. 

Are you aiming to build a significant portfolio over time, or do you plan to keep it more manageable with just a couple of rentals?

I have 3 vacation rentals in Costa Rica and a piece of land where we will be building another one near the beach.

I would focus on building cabins.

It's weird, it's corny, but it builds rapport and it works.

I have seen it too many times where an investor will buy an older property or even a new build, they net cashflow similar to you for a year ($100-$200 per month) and then a $5,000 repair or insurance/tax hike here hits them and it's a loss - they either get forced to sell or are majorly setback and unmotivated. 

Have been talking about getting into real estate investing for the last 2-3 years and finally pulled the trigger on a 3 unit house hack in Soulard that will be closing later this month and will be self-managing the property.I'm trying to network a bit with other investors, build a solid team of contractors / handymen, and set my systems up in way to scale, but also so my tenants have a good experience.

Rehabbing the all building.