Having been in many aspects of real estate throughout my career my favorites are ground up construction and note investing. right now note investing takes the cake as it can be done in any environment whereas ground up right now is very challenging. 

Right, again.Always offer cash, worry about the leverage aspect later.

Sounds like you got the loan and attorney aspects down.

It's all about balance and attention to detail, from the big-ticket items like kitchens and bathrooms to the smaller aspects like layout and functionality.Your example from "Flip or Flop" is spot on—what works in one market doesn't necessarily translate to another, and understanding those nuances is key.

For you, is having a 5-star overall rating on rental sites the most crucial factor for success, or are there other aspects that you consider even more important?

Describe 2 of the most interesting aspects of your career or experience:1.

Once the investor understands these three FOUNDATIONAL aspects of real estate investing, they can comprehend the creative and wealth building techniques and strategies and successfully apply them to individual deals.  

I would highly recommend finding a syndicator who can bring you in to help on some aspect of the deal where you can bring some expertise or assistance. 

Be careful that you do not pump money into a program claiming to make you an investor and provide help in doing so . . . it will quickly become your fault for not being successful when you question things and the mentor aspect offered will disappear.Find local investors, get the foundation you need to focus on your area and stay positive in the journey,. 

@Sharon Patterson, any rehab is a "project" and basic project management principles state that there are 3 key interrelated aspects to all projects: time, scope, and cost.