.), know your minimum cash flow or COCROI, keep looking at deals and practicing your analysis skills and Save your ammo and be ready to strike on a good deal. 

This was my first re conference so I do know that part of my problem was my own lack of knowledge and lack of networking skills.

They understand the trade-offs of both approaches.

Bird dog for wholesalers, get certified and work in a trade to help re-habbers, or find a way to just get involved in the process. 

My wife really wants to trade up which I’m fine with, but I want to do it in a way that makes financial sense.

This is certainly a question for him or her.That said, everything is negotiable, what you can or cant get is up to your (or your agent's) negotiating skills and how it is presented.

One thing you probably intrinsically know and understand is that there’s a trade-off for all things in life.

Play with the numbers, and see if the deals make sense.Without much experience on ARV and repairs, it will benefit you to shore up those skills ASAP so you can get more accurate offers to sellers. 

There is a good book for that @Jamel Hook What is each of you bringing to the company, skills and capital, and how do you want to split the payouts.

The main factors to consider are efficiency, expertise, communication skills, and fees.