The larger aspect of any renovations would be the cosmetic changes inside your unit.

It would be nice for the software to understand some aspects about the construction industry but this is not a deal breaker. 

I am eager to learn more about all aspects of real estate investing.

I've been given the advice that the best approach in the Seattle market would be to rehab/add value to a property, but again, I'm super new so trying to learn the analysis aspect first!

That is because rental property has two main investment aspects, cash flow and appreciation.

Biggest hang-up for me (besides the financial aspects mentioned) was the location question.

Now there is a fine line between a management company having too many of their own properties and possibly neglecting yours, however in general your management company or property manager should have a portfolio of their own to truly know what they are doing and see aspects from your perspective. 3.

Cycles happen in all aspects of life, so far it seems we can also count on economic cycles.

I am interested in getting into wholesaling from the aspect of connecting other wholesalers who have properties with buyers.I want to understand what the process of JV'ing looks like. 

@Jonathan Beaumont many say finding deals (ie wholesaling) is the most difficult aspect of RE investing.