Haha this is why this situation is so confusing - many people with differing interpretations!

I assumed these people were great.

I'm torn because people say "don't sell... houses are going to keep going up".

Looking at this kitchen (Rehab/Flip deal), I know how to price out work and deal with subs but how are people coming up with how to redesign the layout?

Yes development can have huge upside but I have also seen people lose $20M in a development deal gone bad. 

You seem pumped up to do this, but do it first at a local meetup (in terms of connecting with people) or else you are just going to get a bunch of people trying to sell you services or on how good they are.

It'll be tough to get into a pure investment in your area for 35k but here are a few options:- partner on the second deal- if the numbers make sense and you could get more cashflow then you could look at a higher price point but my guess is this will be difficult to find- Buy your first property as planned, and save the 35k as reserves and/or just keep it for the next down payment on another FHA after a year- find a place that needs some work where you can use that money to fix up and force appreciation to the propertyPersonally, I would look at those last 2 options where you have the cash on hand ready to deploy for the next down payment or rehab costs if needed.

What Multifamily GP operators as coach / mentor would you recommend to partner with for hands-on deal experience in the Texas triangle? 

I learned that April and May are seasonally slow for rentals, since most people seem to move in the summer, and also that the market here in Wesley Chapel, FL is a bit saturated with excess inventory from all the new construction activities in the area.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Hands off, more time for family, and, if you hold it with the intention to pass the property to your heirs, you never have to pay any of the tax benefits back.