If you're going to do it alone, make sure you your due diligence: estoppels, inspection, review, consult with a local attorney familiar with the local regulations, etc. and good luck.

I spend so much time finding the 'right' properties across multiple markets on Zillow before I even evaluate in my buy box.

My ultimate goal is to become successful with my real estate investments so I don’t have to rely so much on my job and be able to spend more time at home with my soon to be wife and future children.

Bloody oath I do mate.It's never their fault and always yours (Ours).They rarely take any responsibility and cry victim.It's crazy to think but it's like many intentionally look for drama and deep down inside don't want success but rather problems.Someone to dislike and blame and to feel wronged by.All other personal and "at home" issues can now be blamed on this one unfortunate scenario.This "drama" per se is like food for the hungry and they need such drama in life to "survive".My apologies if my above comments sound weird as they are more so from a philosophical standpoint and just some thoughts that I have considered after 5,000+ investor intro calls and as you have mentioned, others feeling wronged by me or my company on many occasions.What a $#@% way to live IMO but I don't judge and sleep in peace.Again, I have been "wronged" by many but consider it my own fault.I also don't call them out publicly or post bad reviews, etc... 

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

IMO, the best strategy for that type of individual is to purchase residential property in an area they are or can become familiar with; in an area where the neighborhood is “on the rise”, typically where demand exceeds supply and people are spending $$$ on fixing up properties.  

It's updated yearly and is the best $40 you'll spend as a Landlord. 

DIY A first-time DIYer can expect to spend several hours replacing a kitchen faucet.The time it takes depends on your experience and the faucet's complexity.You'll need tools like wrenches, a putty knife, and a small bucket.You'll also need materials like supply lines, silicone caulk, and plumbers tape.You may be tempted to be cheap and estimate only 30 minutes, but you should estimate an hour to be safe.What about the time to go to the property to figure out if a 2-hole or 3-hole faucet is needed, then drive to Home Depot to get it, drive back to install and then head either to the next job or back to the office?

The entire focus is on new people because they spend on more.4.

There are certain things that require experience that DIYers just can't get right or spend way too much time trying to do.