By that, I mean ask them what they need the most help with or what they'd be willing to let you do for free3) learn from them what successful investors are doingThe answer to your question could be partnering or waiting --- or it could be something MUCH better that comes from a relationship you have with a solid investor.Congrats for having your head on straight at 18, you'll future self will be thanking your current self ;)

I saw the opportunity based on location and deep discount in price.

I saw the opportunity based on location and deep discount in price.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I usually do a personal post and tie it into my financial freedom journey one day and then do straight real estate or investing posts on the other days.

Ask the county auditor straight up.

In exchange for the additional 17% profit at the partner level, you shold be getting some kind of discount at the contractor level.  

Good example, I had a slight pricing and supply chain issue on some needed materials, I could have thrown $ at the problem but instead I made some calls and I bought a partial rail car of the material, lined up my own motor carrier, was able to cut 2 middle-men out of logistical chain, 1 1/2hr drive to rail yard to personally supervise and we got out materials, faster than anyone could deliver, for 30% discounting AFTER all associated costs.

There are options to offer monthly and weekly discounts too within the platform for STR. 

Most all brokers in my area will either buy the properties at a very significant discount or list it for maximum commission profit.  

You could passively invest in apartments and mortgages with companies like Fundrise, or publicly traded REITS like Avalon Bay and Equity Residential that are both trading at a significant discount considering they are collecting less than 1% fewer rents this year during Covid than they were last year.