Again, you may have done all of this, but most new investors tend to start with #5 and don't really do the groundwork needed to invest wisely.

You have a valuable skillset if you know the business from groundworks through the vertical as developement can make more sense in some markets right now for certain types of property. 

So it must be a lot of ground work like driving for dollars to locate these distressed properties with motivated sellers and move on them that way as an alternative.

Right now your strength is going to be showing up and doing the groundwork that needs to get done to find deals.

I quickly realized that I may have done lot of groundwork necessary to educate myself, increase my network for flipping, but immediate DC-Metro area was not conducive to flipping in the current 2017 real estate landscape. 

Once I have a few Buy & holds under my belt, got an actual portfolio as proof, I can then in turn say “Hey Ladies An Gentlemen, I have these deals lined up, the ground work as been done, who wants in on theses deals, An are you going to be a good fit for my company An it’s goals.”

Maybe there's a role your SO can perform that is helpful overall but which plays to her personality and experience.As a case in point, currently we're laying the groundwork to move into multi family properties. 

Im working on a plan that involves me being more active in the community attending meet-ups, analyzing deal.. ground work. 

I have started to do some ground work and have done preliminary research on KC, but still working to develop my team and would love to get your feedback.

They should have started their ground work a while back while the housing market is still going strong.