Fees should be clearly stated in writing, easy to understand, and justifiable.

Clearly new to this so any advice is appreciated! 

Continually communicate clearly with all parties involved to make sure that expectations are as close to realistic timelines as possible.

By then I expect to have a clear plan so I can move into action.

I would not advise to steer clear of this test based only on you having a job.

You can't even drive by and look at a tree before you decide if it needs to be trimmed up or cut down.2.)

Still, I’d recommend vetting contractors thoroughly, getting multiple bids, and setting clear expectations upfront.

He has stated that he is a new investor, but he already has paid off his first investment fully, so he is clearly doing something right.

- just starting out I would steer clear, it's nice that the rental income is guaranteed but that can be a rough tenant base and many new real estate investors just get smokedIf I was just starting out in real estate and had $750k to play with, I would really try to understand my goals - is it to retire on a beach and be completely passive?

It sounds like you are circling the relevant issues with focusing on the material participation hours and clearing the threshold for either 500 hours or at least 100 hours and more than anyone else.