I’m new to real estate investing and am in the process of trying to acquire my first property.  

I wrote a BP blog about the processes we use, you can read it here. 

This will help guide your decision opposed to investing somewhere for a novel reason.for example for me it was cash flow, price to rent ratio, land lord tenant laws and availability of multi-families(Just to name a few). 

Any other suggestions to improve my due diligence process would be appreciated.

Quote from @Jason Reider: I've been in the process of purchasing a duplex and all along the seller's agent has been pretty much unresponsive to mine.

A great agent will help walk you through the process from start to finish and the home inspector is there to protect you in regards to the condition of the home.

Did you make that leap to invest in Phoenix Real Estate? 

Congrats on submitting that offer and perusing Senior living, either for you or your client.I have been involved in the purchasing process for several senior living facilities, and work closely with a few people who operate RCFE, sober living, and similar types of properties.From what I have learned, the most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing RCFE properties, is that you are also purchasing a business.

I don't think there is a black-and-white decision between selling and refi.

Personally, If I could pull out a HELOC, I would use it to fix and flip which will typically make sense as you shouldnt be keeping the money out for that long and you can recycle it or pay it back and build off the capital that you got from. the flip.