I'm afraid knowing what to look for is a skill learned with time and experience, and not really something talking with strangers on the internet can fully prepare you for- there's just too much!

We're experiencing huge population growth, and there's a shortage of housing.    

@Josh Platko  I was just having a conversation with one of the more experienced investors in the space here on BP.and we both came to the conclusion. you have absolute novices jumping into hands down the most complicated and risky transaction there is... there is SO much that can go wrong... its a skill set that one should probably learn before jumping into as a newby..

I still have time, and I want to use my skills to benefit my family and me first  for a change.  

Perhaps there is some other venture that would better leverage your experience and skills while requiring less start-up investment. 

An architect is perfectly suited for this With knowledge of construction processes and sequencing, aesthetic sensibility, construction contacts, project management, and budgeting skills.  

Really hit or miss... ok, mostly miss..Well, let's just say if a tenant had this level of personal management skill, they may own a house already (I know it sounds bizarre, but if you could calendar the recycle days each month, wake up and make the effort, you also probably have the simple personal management skills to budget, start a saving plan for a down payment, make payments on time and improve your credit to buy a house,.....)

Get as much knowledge and analysis skill as you can from BP, then don't be afraid to pull the trigger when the numbers make sense!

Bit of a philosophical issue, but I learned most of my construction skills from my grandfather, who was old-school, and throw away tools are overall bad for everyone.  

I’ve arrived at the point in my own career where I feel I need some coaching to more effectively develop my negotiation skills and just to gather full understand of this business.