The gurus” selling mentorship’s and “canned” programs to a inexperienced investor oversimplify the strategy; ignore the difficulty; incorrectly claim that the education they provide is sufficient for success; lie about their own qualifications and experience and success; belittle “real” business/financial/real estate education and provide a totally unrealistic picture of lifestyle, effort, and chance of succeeding.  

@Brendan Davisgot it - not everyone can house hack and if it doesn't fit your lifestyle, that is fine.  

So I cannot be up in the game 24/7 like I'd like to be, but I spend a healthy amount of time keeping up with listings and the market.

Be open to learning but balance that with a healthy dose of skepticism and your own research/ edification. (2) househacking is the perfect first step.

I am seeing how keeping a healthy credit score can help secure funding for business endeavors and for a more robust life.

These have between 3 and 3.5% minimum down payments, but would obviously require a lifestyle change for the immediate time- there are hard money lenders that do not conform to traditional lending requirements.

Investors are usually willing to let lifestyle living take a back seat while they begin their investment journey so that in the not to distant future they can be living the life style they desire with less stress.  

Fourth, create a long-term real estate investment plan that complements your preferred lifestyle and financial objectives.

There's no high paying jobs there yes, but in a way the huge lots allowing for 1-2 big rig trucks encouraging the trucker lifestyle does. 

Price, taxes, location and life style continue to be the big attractions.