@Darius KellarI would add:Always pay your bills on time and never ever be late- this will boost your credit score which is essential for loan qualifications.Live well within your means- drive a car used car that is paid off, live for free with your parents as long as you can, don't go out to the club and drop cash on food and drinks.Safe as much as your income, living situation and bills allow.Use this time to make a solid plan for your real estate investment journey. 

So I have decent income from my day job, and I'll be financing my first few purchases (at least) with my partner, and she makes a solid income as well (about 150K) between the two of us.

He's crazy.As far as the vapor barrier @Jason D. mentioned...if it's over wood and there isn't any living space below it you probably don't need it.

Maybe another outlet to checkout for solid data :) One additional thought I had is around income.

Thats why i'm turning to our community if i cant find a solid game plan im afraid im gonna have to back down and lose my first deal.

Fortunately we had installed HVAC a few years earlier and had just left the radiators because 1) it worked and 2) removing them would have left holes in the original hard wood floors.  

What is a solid cap rate for fourplex investments?

A good set of plans is essential to getting solid bids and eliminating costly mistakes.

Cash flow looks legit as long as you know your numbers are solid. 

Look for a solid home in a good area-it will attract better tenants, have fewer turnovers and require less work.