However the negative reviews have been consistent for a few years, and still recently, so that is a concern.

Doesn't have to be a lot of hours but gives you consistent income as you flip(would be 60/90+ days till you see a return). 

Even small, consistent amounts add up over time.Learn & NetworkKeep reading REI books, but also join real estate meetups or online groups like here on BiggerPockets.

Staying consistent is the key.

The lower entry costs compared to other markets, plus lower taxes, make it great for consistent cash flow.

Home as of last night, I had the mindfulness to turn off my gas feed as I fled, but the stem inside the valve broke!

Certainly track record is very important, but track record is so much more than deal performance.The last decade was a consistent bull market so almost anyone could put some runs on the scoreboard while learning little to nothing.  

Pace was the only one I encountered who showed up live, who is living these deals out every day and consistently finding ways to deliver (increasing) value to his community.

Because I retired a few years earlier, I don't have a huge runway to recoup after big mistakes but I need reliable investment vehicles, that can still deliver a decent return within a 3-5 yr. window with surety and consistency. 

Learn how to consistently hit singles and doubles, and don't be ashamed to take the occasional walk. 5 years is a very short time frame to go from no RE to financially free (although you may already have property, which is an awesome start).