I have a comfortable cash reserve of appx 5-6 months rent.  

I will take on flips if the opportunity presents itself, but right now that world seems foreign to me and I would not be comfortable operating in the realm yet.Anyway, I am looking for some other real estate newbies to connect with to share stories, personal and professional growth with, and basically have someone on our side who is experiencing the same things.  

Guest spills on sofa, rug, comforter cover?

I know I'd feel more comfortable having them now so I can hear where the ARV more accurately would be.

Has anyone been in my shoes who could share their past experiences and how they became successful?

But I'd suggest you hold off a bit on buying anything until you're a little more comfortable with coming up with estimates and ARV numbers - even moreso if its a flip.

Are you welcome as an owner and an investor and are you comfortable with the rules?

I went as far as to have my paycheck split to where I live off 1/2 my earnings with the other half going directly into my real estate account.It taught me to comfortably live on less and made payday more exciting.It's awesome to see young people so forward focused!

Depending on what that real threshold is, there may be alternatives with a first lien that might be more 'comfortable'.  

For me to feel comfortable in buying the next buy-and-hold property, I need an emergency fund, and I save up to 25% for the next  down payment for the next property, as well a couple thousand in reserves for make-ready, marketing, and vacancy on a new purchase.