-Put new hardwoods down-Installed the new kitchen and poured a 10'x6' concrete countertop for the island (I think my back still hurts from mixing that concrete)-Replaced the stairs with new treads, risers, handrails, and picketts-Opened up the back two bedrooms upstairs to make one master suite with walk in closet and master bathroom-Installed stackable washer/dryer outside of the master-Opened up the ceilings in the front two bedrooms to be 11.5' tall.

Thinking of finishing off the basement to include a master suite (1bdrm+full bath) as well as a decent size entertainment/living area.

If you give it a try, be patient and don't get too excited about moving into the new neighborhood and buying there for at least a couple years , so you can make sure you have rental ownership mastered.   :-)

I personally finished my masters degree and was well established in a career before I made the switch to being an agent.

Was it the market aspect that took a while to master? 

They just aproved the zoning for the master plan community to go in on the 128 acres abutting my property so I should be in for some good value increase over the next couple years.

Have any REI out there done a master lease agreement of 32+ units?

After purchase I installed new flooring throughout, repainted the entire home, updated lighting to LED, updated master bathroom, replaced old furnace, air conditioner, and propane with a energy efficient geothermal system that heats, cools, and heats domestic hot water.

I suggest starting with one strategy and sticking with it until you've mastered it, then begin to layer in other strategies one by one as you master each one.

Second year or higher, masters or PHD even better.