I needed to get up to speed quickly, figure out the niche that made sense, and start rebuilding our business after the market crash.  

You might get lower average commissions, but you will find that the fastest selling and closing properties will probably be paying higher overall commissions. 

Is it always the fastest and safest way to build wealth?

They are definitely the fastest way to get your phone ringing with motivated sellers.If you don’t want people to see you putting out the signs or don’t have time, just run an ad on Craigslist for someone to do it for you.

Well not all bad I’ve learned a lot I bought a 2 unit that needed work but it’s taking too long and costing too much.unit 1 is ready but the exterior needs work as well as the second unit. should I sell take a 35% loss and move onContinue saving/investing in repairs repair Just enough to get a HEL Nothing focus on my other business that is making good profit How can I speed/turn this deal around?

I compare leverage, insurability, taking write offs, cash flow, monthly  expenses, transportability, speed of decline in a crash, ease of unloading in a crash, forced equity improvement, things like that.

Many cities have not gotten up to speed with conditional use permits or zone changes.

If the speed limit is 30, why not 31?

We have a half done rehab in north lawndale and already seeing new highs for the 2 unit comps, it seems the fastest growth is 2 units in areas that become more popular for owner occupants huge equity to be made. 3/4s cashflow more and more but not seen the % appreciation of 2s and houses. 

Hiring a general contractor could help speed things up and find better ways to handle it, specially, as you mentioned,"or does my W2 job allow me the time to do the work myself."