Being an entrepreneur is primarily a role of knowing your strengths and recognizing your holes, then filling in people for those holes.Most all investment managers start with partnerships of two or three people that have complimentary skill sets, relationships, etc.  

If you don't have the skills and licensing to be your own contractor, it may make more sense to buy existing.BUILDING A TEAMThis is all about relationships and not transactional. 

@Alan Asriants and I left out expenses like 10% for repairs at 5% for vacancies because I am so skilled at this I have never had a place vacate for less than one week because I keep them ship shape so it moves out.

Looking to enhance my education, skills, and connections. 

Higher maintenance and repair costs (even low to no skill workers demand 35-40% higher labor)This has led us to diversify our strategy and convert some of our units into MTR's instead of LTRs to increase margin.

Are you going to get returns which are significantly better than that and do you have a strategy and skill set for achieving it?  

I'm definitely interested in properties with good bones that just need some cosmetic updates, so your tip on finding a skilled investor-friendly agent is spot on.Thanks again for your support!

I advise to leverage your current skills to work in other trades and get into real estate investing once you're ready.

Something like co-hosting STRs, real estate photography or video (including drone), something in the trades if you have those skills, part time agent, etc.

By starting small, you can educate yourself and develop effective management skills.