Since getting a W2 job two months ago, I've focused my spare time (and mental energy) on managing and investing my fixed income. 

Mentally prepare yourself to spend another 10 to 20% repairing stuff that wasn't obvious at the beginning. 

I came across Bigger Pockets and was instantly intrigued, not only by the way they explained real estate investing to a newbie, but by the challenge it can create creatively and mentally.

To get the mentality of an investor- Rich dad poor dad is a good one. 

I have made my share of mistakes and they can be mentally draining and financially painful. 

For a genuine hoarder, 6 months would not be enough anyway, heck, 12 months would not be long enough since they have mental blocks preventing them from throwing things away. 

It took me about 6 months to recover from the mental and physical exhaustion.

Starting out, it can be really helpful to jump into a Kool-Aid drinking corporate mentality and get the training before making your next move.Best of luck! 

Things actually work the other way around from a typical contractor's mentality thinking they are financing the client when in reality they are expecting a client to finance the contractor's business. 

Get data on insurance claims, flooding, etc.My personal view is that leadership within a city/municipality needs to have more of a 'we all rise together' kind of mentality.