I highly recommend going to meetups and talking to investors in person. 

If you are new to the business the most common issue is you're either locking up deals too high or you aren't finding attractive deals.

Also, how do you balance cost-effectiveness with providing a high-end feel?

There was a news reporter at the sale and they interviewed the high bidder, who admitted that they had not seen the property, but were certain that they would be building their family home there. 

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

If you don't care about income and are more of a capital gain kind of guy, prices are already high (as you noticed) and there's plenty of land available to buy so I'm not sure how much is left in the tank.

From a personal standpoint I target 70% LTV for any investment I have that way gives me ability to sell it if I need tooI'm Canadian so it a T4 up here and yes I'm I high earner who can handle vacancies if need be. 

This is a self directed RRSP or TFSA account that allows you to lend your money out to people with the backing of their mortgage for a high interest rate. 1st, 2nd, 3rd mortgages, down payments, refinances, flipping or renovation money.

to be clear - lots of other issues, lots of other challenges, and BRRRR is difficult right now with interest rates so high. 

Highly reccomend joining local investor Facebook groups.