It all depends on the scope of work and your available time to put towards organizing and finding the right contractors. 

There is no lock because the laundry machines are in the basement. 

We're thinking of starting out with short term rentals near or on the beach.

@Ed HoffmanThere are tens of thousands of posts on here about this specific topic that I recommend you read

I just finished reading Dirt Rich and it's peaked my interest in the possibilities of land investment. 

Looking to connect with local investors in each market and discuss the pros/cons.

@Sam TrightBesides the other comments above you also start really walking or crossing the fine line of selling securities when you start bundling up parts of a note and selling it to different people.

My wife is the same way.

I have had every one of the above come into play, which has caused the timing of exiting the asset to take longer than anticipated.

I'd agree with mortgage news daily - the "average mortgage rate" generally tracks very very closely with the 10-year treasury yield (+ a somewhat steady spread) - google and yahoo finance on that are pretty handy