Think contractors, landlords, etc. possibly even finding some form of part time job with a contractor or property management company is also a good way to get hands on learning and property management can pay fairly well once you get systems down

Lessons learned?

Network with local real estate groups, online forums, and local real estate agents to learn from experienced investors.Good luck!

Super excited to start this new adventure in real estate investing. 

The rest of the house looks good but at least one bedroom is really small and would be an office for most buyers so you have a 2/2 rather than a 3/2.If you have been getting feedback from agents showing the property that the layout is the deal breaker there is not much you can do with that other than learn for the next one and lay it out up front and get feedback / input. 

I have some draft Operating Agreement language that I think addresses your points on equity retention and adding a third party.

Learn, find a guide, and meet experts.

Lessons learned?

That can be very hard when you’re not making a high income. if your not able to save a lot at your job you might be better off learning about real estate, learning how to be a landlord, and focusing on a new career that can get you the income to buy real estate. it’s a tough pill to swallow but I got into the trades and now have the skills to fix my property and starting to get the income needed to keep going. 

Maybe...More to the story, but quite the lesson learned.