I would suggest you to focus on your strengths and find a partner whose strengths offset your weaknesses..Good luck, man!

I also have loans in places that have less than 10 units so by definition everyone owns more than 10%.This one always seems like a weak "rule" that seems easy enough to explain away especially in smaller projects.How close are you to the 50% owner occupied limit though?  

Then, address your weaknesses with others people through networking and build a solid team to reach your goal.

Ultimately I have an interest growing a portfolio and possibly dabbling in other types of properties and strategies (flipping, development, etc.).My primary strength is my analytic ability, whereas my primary weakness has been using a conservative approach.I am excited to continue learning and potentially working with BP community members.Drew

If your blue collar skills are weak consider locating and developing a relationship with someone who you can bring in as a partner.

Or do you want to strengthen an area of weakness?

"The leads are weak?

The point is depending on what was done and when, you could have a strong case or a weak case.

But the sales from what I've seen are a tad on the weak side, so I plan on looking at surrounding areas to do flips to raise capital for the rentals.

Both states have strong and weak markets for investors.Consider the strategy you're planning to use as well.