It was clear to me that the real value was in what he could teach me, not in making an arbitrary amount of money for helping him. 

The worst part in my opinion is that they are teaching others to do this type of stuff.

Resort style properties with pools and amenities which don't require you to leave the houseAnother thing to keep in mind is that there is a huge market opportunity for long term rentals here.

The flush mount wall heaters are less obtrusive than the old style wall heaters.  

Nothing against any of the good mentorship programs that might be out there, but I just hear so many horror stories of the "mentors" who have not ever done the things they are teaching others to do and are making their living off of the mentoring itself rather than the subject matter they profess. 

It is the "subscription model" life style (music, books, cars, etc.)

I started last year in my mid 40sIm fortunate where im at at the point where im trying to decide if i should retire early from my teaching gig to pursuit real estate investing full time

I am new to REI but I live in Flint, MI and my house was under $70K (mid-century modern behind a major teaching hospital and less than 10 minute drive to 4 colleges / universities).

You dont have to do custom cabinets, but please think style, not just cheap.

In the end I made money on it and sold it to someone else who finished it for $62K.You asked for suggestions and I would say it depends on the construction style of the home and how it's moved.