I know my question is broad in nature, but I'd appreciate any advice about who I should network with (private financing, trustworthy GC's), common mistakes made, often overlooked details of a house's condition that could sink the investment, etc.

It is natural to the rest of the home, shares the same roof, has similar flooring and is built to the same quality.

My nature is to be impatient but I am realizing that I need to slow down and do my daily homework in this new industry.

You’ll naturally figure it out from there.

Most likely the state where the property is located is where lawsuits would be brought if they are something for personal injury like a trip and fall or something of that nature because the “cause of action” arose in that state.

This comment is kinda Primitive in Nature.

He wanted $60K more for the deal and I was firm with my offer due to the fact that it was a 3/2 but was converted to a 2/2 so we had to reconfigure the floorplan to have a better flow and bring it up to date and take advantage of the natural lighting and the pool.

Most likely the state where the property is located is where lawsuits would be brought if they are something for personal injury like a trip and fall or something of that nature because the “cause of action” arose in that state.

It's always human nature to think so.  

If you're buying at the tip top of the market trying to maximize your leverage then naturally you will be looking at places where most if not all of their income potential has been realized.