I am dealing with this situation with a client of mine where proving those payments is hanging up the refinance, so as long as it is clearly documented with the exact lease amount being paid over that time in the account, then most groups should be fine. 

However, like you I'm looking for low hanging fruit (easy improvements) to set myself apart from other units.

Experienced old timers just hanging out for the fun of talking deals and teaching the newbies.

Additionally, a property with a pool and a spacious backyard is a huge draw, as guests love the idea of relaxing by the pool and hanging out outside enjoying the fresh air.

Every waking moment, no joke. 0 time off, no TV, no hanging out, just eat, sleep, work, on THIS, repeat. 

Hang in there!

Any advice is greatly appreciated :)Get to know one developer socially that you get along with well.Share your interest in the business.Seriously, meet for a coffee seems really (W2)....probably isn't the best thing.If you are (W2) your wage slave hours might conflict with the business hours of your intended teacher.But seriously, meet for a coffee with your carpenter, landscaper and close friends.I think the best way to learn is to hang out together as friends with a mutual interest, but if you are (W2)-ing all day...that leaves no hang out time.Go to a 2.5 hour lunch on a moments notice, hang out together in the office, go look at sites together....What is a finance professional--a lender, a CFO, an accountant, a spreadsheet guy running calcs, a statistician, etc???

"Ready" is a subjective term, but you can hang out on these forums, meeting agents, lenders, other investors, and anybody else you care to talk with for 1,000 hours.

@Frank Patalano Thanks for hanging in there and answering all these comments!

And, you can't join the board without hanging your license first.