I am wanting to find some mentors in the industry.In order to give back to the mentors, I am eager to help locate properties, help on renovations (I have general carpentry and mechanical skills), and help find buyers/tenants.

Mechanical Costs?

I am a 20-year old studying mechanical engineering at the University of Miami. 

That's the mechanism for avoiding unlicensed brokering.

when the mechanic tells you why you thin thank goodness, and then bang your head on the wall and think, "duh".

These are wholesaling and retailing--you'll find a lot of info about these strategies and the pros and cons here.There's a sort of "in between" strategy, too, commonly called pre-habbing, where you do only the major work (mechanics etc) and sell for a higher percentage of value to an investor who can finish the work.IN GENERAL, assuming that you bought the property "right" and can get the work done correctly and at a reasonable cost, pre-habbing and retailing will be more lucrative on a per-deal basis.

I would view going to a CPA who says to specialize in real estate, but doesn't invest, is the equivalent of going to a mechanic who's Amish. 

I’m not a contractor but I have a lot of renovation experience and own all the necessary tools.Basically everything inside both cosmetic and mechanical is now brand new.

Plans are not required for minor remodeling work or minor plumbing, electrical and/or mechanical repairs.3.

All Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanicals, and roof were completely redone/replaced at that point.