Meaning there needed to be more forced equity?

Hold for Long-Term IncomeBuffett has held AMEX for nearly 60 yearsHeld Coca-Cola for 35+ yearsSimilar to buy-and-hold real estate strategiesFocus on Cash Flow GrowthBoth AMEX and Coke have consistently increased dividendsJust like raising rents over time in quality propertiesLook for MoatsAMEX: Strong brand and network effectsCoca-Cola: Unbeatable brand powerLike owning property in irreplaceable locations💡 The Real Estate AdvantageWhile Buffett mastered dividend investing, real estate investors can do even better because:We can use significant leverage safelyWe control our asset's improvementWe get superior tax advantagesWe can force appreciation through improvementsWhat do you think, BiggerPockets community?

I tried RE Investing many years ago before the internet and miraculously did not loose my shirt but broke even on one house and due to other circumstances was forced to walk away from another.

Tough situation.Sounds like your mortgage forces your hand. 

As an active-duty (soon transitioning) Air Force myself, I know the VA loan is a powerful asset for us.

Saying these people are forced to pay higher prices is a sham.

The Air Force brought me here, and I’ve stayed ever since—I’ve really come to love it here!

It may take 1-2 years and by the end you will have forced some appreciation from the renovations but also got some natural appreciation from the market.

An experienced agent would have worked with the seller to do the repairs before they sold, and captured the forced equity in the sale.

With your background in the Air Force, MBA, and construction, you're in a great position to launch a real estate venture.