@Alex JonesI do think a year was a good amount of time to study and learn, establish some contacts and get organized.

Ask your home inspector to especially look for wood destroying organisms (termites, wood ants, etc.).

Join a professional organization and hang out with like minded individuals.

The more I have it on my mind, the more organic situations arise where I get to talk about real estate.

New software can make things smoother, easier, more organized and faster.

Housing is really good at "convincing" the tenant that losing housing is a lot better play than losing their assistance voucher.But there are other options:  many churches and organizations will give grants to economically challenged folks for their utilities. 

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their staff qualifications.2.

I will be using a conventional 30 year mortgage as well as a downpayment and closing costs loan through a neighborhood organization here, so at the moment I only have about $5k out of pocket.

They might even buy materials for you if you provide the labor and do a quality job.2) Volunteer for a local organization like Habitat for Humanity3) Find a local GC and ask if they ever need help with jobs.

Be organized.