There are so many great strategies to help you scale your portfolio, so I understand your desire to find the right plan and avoid mistakes.

The ability to manage investments requires a desire.

have strong desire to venture in real estate and have read books about real estate and the book I'm currently reading directed me to get more insights from here!

I desire to connect with individuals who have had experience investing in real estate while serving in the military on active duty.

i think you can be successful if you are willing to do what you alluded to, which is spend time in person in your chosen market. 

A FHA 203k Loan is where the purchase price and rehab costs are rolled into a single loan.Assuming you have a respectable FICO you can buy, with a FHA Loan (3-5% down, a 30 year amortization schedule, and a residential loan rate) AND because you closed personally, you will not have Asset Protection, in the form of closing in the name of a LLC/ LLC taxed as an S Corp, or an S Corp.

Higher interest rates are keeping some buyers out of the market so properties are sometimes sitting for longer or not getting the desired price. 

Unless you have time, desire and knowledge, hiring a property manager sounds like the right option.

While the property's location was desirable, it was evident that the house had been neglected for several years.

Purchase price: $295,000 Cash invested: $50,000 Single fam home, desirable neighborhood.