If you're going to wholesale, you need to have a knowledgeable real estate agent on your team or access to sufficient data to run your own comps.

As I have professional contractors on my team, even if I did, it would not be an unsolvable problem, but then, I'm not into DIY either :)

I think the key is that you need a team in whichever market you're in.

PM me if you would like to team up to find a deal!

I am guessing it is just finding the right lender and proving your systems and team will bring the investment back up, correct?

We are a Brokerage that is... investor friendly.We understand the mindset because... we are all also investors ourselvesA lot of the investors we work with/for found us because we belong to the local REIA's, or were recommended to them by other investors.Check into REIA's in your area...The benefit is... the team.

The issue now seems assembling my power team. 

They are building a team together with specializing in the hospitality industry.

I would love to hear from you all as to how each of you got started in REI, what kept you all going, financing/negotiating advice for newbies like me, recommendations to find mentors, and other qualified members in your team --- anything you wished someone told you before you started your investing journey --- is helpful and always greatly appreciated.

I'm a big fan of keeping a tight circle when building a team.