Looking for any reading material, videos, or podcasts (outside the BP one, of course) to expand my knowledge base. 

getting a little frustrated, trying to find an environment thats not built around selling coaching material that we can get from bigger pockets for free. where do you guys go to network and meet active real estate investors?

We had water damage on property that required 20 days of repairs and replacing flooring throughout the unit with much nicer upgraded material.

I am planning on sending receipts of the materials, but how do I charge for my time to make the repairs?

We don't always use Lowe's for materials -- sometimes it's a local vender, a contractor, or another big box store like Home Depot or Menards.

I've driven to a couple and it was clear it would benefit be a place I could spend extended time.

Material costs vary minimally between cheap areas and expensive areas.  

Any guidance or advice from someone that understands not only RED but with a holistic and sustainable approach to the whole process, materials, Net Zero, Passive H design, etc.

The activities of wife with respect to the rental properties included, among other things, cleaning common areas, collecting coins from washing machines, performing repairs at the properties, communicating with tenants, collecting and depositing rent, maintaining insurance policies, purchasing materials for the properties, as needed, paying bills and keeping books and records for tax accounting purposes.

.  ~$8 per sheet material so I'm looking at ~$53/sheet all in.