I completely agree that while luck plays a role, consistent diligence is what tips the scales in our favor over time.

Loopnet any deal older than 12 months, Tax GIS consistently late or 6 months past due, any property that changed hands thru probate after 12 months, Texas property tax sales land only not at auction just offlist properties, etc7.

Larger, nicer homes tend to be more expensive to maintain and harder to rent consistently due to high turnover costs.4.What are your other sources of income?

These are boiler plate loan agreements that are consistent with the loans underwriting requirements.

Most investors that build wealth over time are value investors that 1) don't lose money 2) get slightly above average returns over time... consistently. 

Padsplit is a topic of discussion also (STR room rentals), but I think LTR's are a little more consistent with income and a bit less work.

Wealth is built slowly over time, with consistent discipline.

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. 

I'm sure there are agents and investors with deeper insights, but for most of us, a consistent, long-term approach—similar to dollar-cost averaging when investing in index funds—seems like the most practical strategy.That being said, I am also interested to hear what others have to say though, so thank you for the post!

Build 3mth emergency fund, 20% down payment, consistently paying down debt.