I think patience is the hardest, because we all want it now, but in reality, it takes time.

Just like gravity, reality will be what it will be.In any case, you model isn't a buy and hold model at all.  

Understand what the gurus tell you about wholesaling and reality are drastically different.

If you can nail someone down in a lease purchase contract, all the power to you, but the reality is that most people not in a position to buy now will not be in a position to buy in a year or two. 

I laugh at Mark's example regarding the cat, but the reality is that people are very, very entitled. 

Do you use a specific accounting software to see how your numbers compare to reality over time?

On paper it looks very sexy, but in reality it's much different.IMO - I recommend to my out of State/Country clients to stick with post 1945 built homes that rent for $700 -up.These can be purchased, rent ready & with fresh rehab, for under $60k.Of course, the higher up you go in purchase price, the better the home.  

One other strategy, might be hard to get, but a letter of support by your city fathers, representative, zoning board, official types for the proposed project, the Kroger guy can help with that, Freddie won't be bucking this transaction if you need to give title for them to proceed in zoning, IMO, just a little political flavor to the reality of your circumstances, that shows you will likely be moving anyway.

Looking forward till that day when those goals are a reality.

In reality if I need to do a major replacement on a property and don't have enough in the cap ex fund yet I will either rob the Peter Property (another house's cap ex fund) for Paul's salary to pay for it anyway but I try to keep separate virtual accounts and books for each place.