Wholesaling, Rehabbing, and Landlording each come with a lot of challenges and somewhat different skills.

In spite of labor shortages and construction cost increases, there is still very significant growth.  

However, for the experience and the knowledge I'd be happy to trade my IT and analytical skills.  

While I have no knowledge of RE investing, I know that I am entirely capable of acquiring the skills and knowledge to become successful.  

Currently this is our only form of paid marketing since bandit signs are illegal here and one of my business partners is a skilled web advertiser. 

There is usually not a shortage of deals. 

Different rooming house clientele require different management skill sets.In this situation where the rooming house is located in the same building, the clientele of your rooming house will govern the clientele of your apartments.If the commercial client(s) have a net lease and are paying for their own maintenance, $9K/year might be about right.

Improve your marketing, negotiation skills, business acumen, and people skills.  

I suggest you consider two attorneys, one better skilled in real estate contract law, corporate law, estate planning awareness, another who hammers out evictions and takes care of routine matters.

IE there is none  LOL.. so you have some folks that will do well but they would do well at whatever they choose and then you have the dreamers.. those that want it dream it but don't have the skill sets ,, the plain smarts etc to ever do anything in RE takes a lot of stars aligning to be successful at this.If your married you need your spouse 2000 % on board with your all emcompassing new job.. etc etc