I run a call center for real estate so deal with this stuff all the time. 

Look for areas with strong rental demand, low vacancy rates, and proximity to schools, employment centers, and amenities.Future Growth: Check for signs of future development, such as new businesses, infrastructure improvements, or public transportation.

I’m in the beginning stages of renovating a small unit in my 4plex.

Besides attending meetups, should I focus on reading specific real estate books or consider investing my resources at this stage?

I believe it to have been just a staging ground/yard for them and not drilled on.

I'm a fan of the more neutral color choices so that you can stage your home in such a way that there are more options and opportunity to create more pop for your photos. 

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

Also seen some airbnbs by united center chicago bringing in 3-4x ltr rates when they are high end.

I'm based in the San Francisco Bay Area and am in the early stages of my real estate investing journey.

Most leases you can purchase are generic in nature and do not equip you with very helpful tools to manage your property in the most effective and efficient manner, lowering costs, reducing liabilities, creating revenue centers, etc.