This experience reinforced the value of strategic planning, efficient execution, and the potential of low-cost improvements in real estate investments.

You did a great job on most of the details but it looks like the floor plan you started with is now the issue and is not really correctable.Looking at the Zillow map of the area, I see very few houses over $400K and most around you are about $100K+ under yours. 

This experience reinforced the value of strategic planning, effective project management, and strong partnerships in maximizing profitability.

I also am a Realtor and can save us expenses on that end. 

Plan to start small, buy a condo or townhouse wholesale that only needs cosmetic upgrades i.e paint, carpet etc.

This experience reinforced the value of strategic planning, effective project management, and strong partnerships in maximizing profitability in real estate investments.

But you would need to go to the planning department and ask.  

We are starting our journey in West End and planning to use the BRRRR method.

Our household income is currently $320k pre-tax, but I might be getting a new job soon, which could bump our income to around $380-400k pre-tax.Initially, we planned to buy a property and convert it into a duplex, but with houses in our area starting at $650k, we've started considering a different approach.

As I got to know more investors, I learned many of them were regular people that worked hard, saved up, and invested.