I agree with @Joseph Firmin, work through your goals and objectives and then work backwards to see which approaches are the best fit for your skills, personality, time, experience and money.

They are 12.5% of global trade.

@John Neff If you are interested in developing partnerships, perfecting communication skills or raising capital as I am, three books are top of mind and I don't think have been mentioned:Raising Capital for Real Estate by Hunter ThompsonFlip The Script and Pitch Anything by Oren KlaffOf course, as mentioned already "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss is a phenomenal book and The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner is great for a new investor.Finally to take back your day as all this Real Estate Investing begins to occupy all your time: "Own the Day" by Marcus Aubrey is a great read.

Warranties are a waste of money, especially if you take good care of your properties and rent to people who do the same.Since I had many units, I had several trades people for each specialty that I could get bids from. 

They just made it sound like I was putting myself at risk by purchasing properties for my own investments.Funny you say that, I’d trade places with you now for a slice of New York pizza.

@Kevin DeVargasI wouldn't be so hasty to suggest that OP "make sure your accountant deducts the home office expense" based on what's laid out in this thread.There's no where near enough facts for the conclusion that OP's activities rise to the level of a trade or business...

- general trading principles- what will the business actually be doingWho puts what in?

You will need to somehow build an incoming property stream.In addition, there is a shortage of many skilled trades.  

I’ll trade my “no move out in winter” verbiage

Total build was about 8 months because I self performed a few (too many) trades.