For example, if local regulations require energy-efficient upgrades, prioritize these changes to avoid fines and demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices.Case Study: In 2020, many cities introduced rent control measures.

Let go of what you cannot control, and become a lot more emotionally stable to start investing.

Being in the Army limits my ability to travel and explore markets firsthand.

You are controlling significant assets with little money and using the revenue they generate to pay for them. 

That’s something I’m still fine-tuning as I explore new areas.As for scaling up, my focus right now is on leveraging tax-efficient strategies and building a system of limited liability companies (LLCs) to keep risk compartmentalized.

Rent control laws in LA are a little scary to me.

(check page 7 of this IRS Pub)Something that's non-passive and you materially participate means you can deduct those losses up to the excess business loss limit. 

So, that makes a BIG difference in How you scale and what your personal “upper limits” are.  

With the limited resources you have, you want the first investment to not only be a learning experience but to succeed.

Flipping remotely is even a worse idea - you have no control over the scene and will likely be exploited because of it.