I'd say first identify a strategy, choose a market that aligns with it and establish your Core 4 Real Estate Team.The main challenge I observed is that individuals often lack a clear end goal or strategy or they select a market that doesn't align with their chosen strategy.

I would draft a letter identifying yourself as a concerned neighbor.

Have you identified seasonality for your region? 

Ideally, the tradesman identifies this and communicates it before they proceed.

My investment criteria never changed. it is harder to find deals that meet my criteria, so I have increased focus on identifying foreclosures where the price is often much lower than working with wholesalers?

In those cases, the listing brokers are selling to their client list and end up on both sides.Smaller deals up to 30 or so may show up in Loopnet, Crexi, MLS, local commercial exchanges, etc. making it easier for buyer brokers to help identify properties. 

I'm really curious about your thought process in identifying "hackable" houses that also offer opportunities for value-add improvements.From what you've shared, it sounds like you're created a hybrid House Hacking/BRRRR strategy.

Quality absolutely matters in purchase transactions, and cheapest isnt alwasy best.Last point, a good lender will take time to understand your situation and goals and will work with you to identify a strategy and timeline using your available options.

Typically you'll be dealing with older product - from my experience, the key to capping your downside risk is being able to identify plumbing issues.

I have read many DST PPM's and have come to conclusion the Sponsors are the only one that can reliably profit from these investment tools, whereas the investors can only trust their due diligence identified enough red-flags.