Would it be better to forgo major renovations and focus instead on accumulating quantity of cash-positive properties?

There are numerous federal laws concerning pricing of goods and services in an open market environment.

Read books listen to podcasts which is what my husband does in his free time he has read 52 books this year already.........and has watch numerous podcasts you just need to use whats out there for free.  

I learned that I have to write specific language in the lease addressing water, because tenants will use it without any regard to quantity because I am paying for it. 

I talk with numerous investors here in San Antonio and they all agree that San Antonio is the place to make money.

But I'm just an ol' grouch anyway, so don't take offense :)   My goal is quality over quantity.  

$575K could get you a multi-family (or numerous multi-families, if not a small apartment complex) in some markets (not necessarily in Boston MA).

It sounds like you're not always hitting that mark and you're putting a lot of time/effort into putting a high quantity of houses under contract, vs a high qualify of houses. 

You are doing your 1st Duplex deal, house hacking and the numerous people on this board in some form or fashion tell you to take legal action, drop the transaction, don't honor the lease, and keep the less paying tenant.  

Contact local flooring companies and look for items in low quantity and/or clearance.