For investing principles and deal analysis, The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner is excellent, it covers cash flow, evaluating deals, and basic financing strategies.

Quote from @Jules Aton: How much do you spend on 4 basic bedroom pieces: headboard, dresser and 2 night stands?

They just seem to be trying to add too much now and not doing the basics well.  

I do very basic outreach and acquisition work for an end user that likes to buy their own dirt, build the building, put their operation inside, then sell the building off to PE as a way of recouping capital. 

The problem with the properties you had is that with a 1 bedroom property you are basically competing with hotels for the same type of guest and price point.

Like anything some are probably top notch and might even have unique opportunities not facing the public and some may be basically competent like any industry.

Regardless of political opinion, the POTUS is basically demanding the rates be lower for mortgages and consumer facing lines of credit.

Different markets, same principle: fewer variables equals better performance over time.

They were able to rebuild but basically in the back row because it was on parcel and they had the space.

@Kaitlyn Wesley while I can see look at the podcast on here I think your first step would be understanding the basics.