Therefore, they didn't know they only had some surface knowledge of Real Estate and Investing in general.I had achieved being in the top 10% of my field of work, in this case, Computer Science, and worked as a programmer and compensated for my pay grade.I then learned everything I could.

Always ask yourself "what is great about this situation" even if on the surface it seems like a bad one.

Cast iron DWW  piping hooked together with Fernco couplings instead of the old oakum-and-lead connection system is still being used for custom housing today because it's much quieter than plastic drainage piping and it doesn't collapse in place and leave air gaps in the event of a house fire.

Looking at the same surface level information (which I have presented here regarding my own situation - it's all been surface level, like an iceberg if you will), there is not usually a solid consensus for one side or the other.

Wipe surface with TSP (1/4 handfull in 1 gallon bucket 3/4 filled water) using cotton rags (real cotton, not the non-absorbent stretchy stuff.)Dab latex (paintable) caulk or toothpaste into nail holes with finger (very tiny amount to just slightly fill the hole) wipe with dry finger, palm of hand or rag.When dry if there's still a sheen when viewed at angle then lightly "scuff-up" surface with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper wrapped around a 1x3x6" sanding block in long vertical sweeping motions.

What are common reasons a deal that looks good on the surface would sit on the market for so long? 

Pressure wash surfaces that may be slippery.

Yet more rain falls on the surface area of Tucson in a year than all of Tucson and all its inhabitants consume of municipal water in a year."

Its a beneficial thing to bring goals to the surface and just share your thoughts with like minded people who can support you.I’ll start: I will find a location in the south/southwest to house hack a single family residence; preferably one with little yard maintenance I.e THE DESERT, or give the responsibility to my roommate, in exchange for a discount on rent.

You could wear a mask all day, and go touch a public surface (escalator/stairs railing, door knob, etc) then go grab an apple from your local grocery store, take your mask off, and eat that apple.