There's no step by step guide but there are key things : Learn: RE strategies, what interests you, what do people in your area need.Connect: find a mentor, accountability group and be around those doing what you want to do.Help: solve problems- do people need dealflow, property mgmt, construction expertise, etc. 

So if they can get guaranteed 5% interest in an account they can get their money out of at any time they’ll want 8-10-12%. 

In this manual (which I assume could be modified to provide to tenants) I include all the financing information (which you would not include for tenants) bank accounts, mortgage accounts, payment information, and mortgage payoff), a list of the contractors, what each contractor does, a list of upcoming planned or necessary repairs, and a copy of all leases associated with the property.

Both my wife and my background is in manufacturing, specifically operations, customer service, and project/account management. 

I think you would need to account for that with each “flip” - does it? 

That is your denonimator.You also take the cash flow you get from rent minus all your expenses, so at end of day how much $ is in your bank account for the entire year.

Set up a contracts account at both Lowes and HD. 

Do a case study.

Sometimes there are accounting errors, like duplicated charges, so it’s worth investigating.

This absolutely sucks, they should be held accountable.