But with every successful transaction, my confidence got a boost, and I got more comfortable taking on bigger projects.

It depends what your goals are, but I'm inferring that this is a comfort/long term investment as opposed to a quick flip.

Also be picky with tenants and know the landlord tenant law especially if your parents live there you want them to be comfortable with who is in the unit.

If you're new to this, it may take some time to adjust your expectations and get comfortable.

While I was able to leave my job after 30, it hasn't been comfortable.

Go to some real estate meetups/ask friends who they used to buy a house or duplex where you're at, meet some agents and try to narrow down to one that you feel comfortable working with, wouldn't mind having to go and look at places with.

So, if you can't match whatever is already in the kitchen, then I highly recommend you do kitchen and dining area.  

In addition to comfort and confidence to manage close by and local knowledge.

You'll have to find your comfort level on how you want to manage it.  

The more comfortable you have to live, the worst the numbers will be.