After discussing, decided our debt exposure was the most critical item we could address. 

Our rent is only $1300 a month, so it’s not too bad, but we’re so sick of paying someone else’s mortgage.

I mean that as a lesson, not a criticism.

I was literally getting sick and my blood pressure was elevated (normally its 120/81 or something around there).Speed up to 2019 I dabbled with starting a online business.

Sick of guests.

Managing expectations and putting together the right pricing strategy for the area/market is a critical skill for listing agents and your agent should be helping you put together the right strategy! 

This comes at a cost, but can be efficient for those that are not full time real estate investors or do not have the interest in managing properties in any form.A critical point to note is that the type of property that you are targeting can also determine the labor intensiveness of management.

When evaluating commercial property, from an investment perspective, I agree that the metrics you mention are critically important. 

There never really is a right time due to the financial risks involved currently interest rates are low so that can be appealing but more importantly really look at market that you're thinking of buying into what did it look like before the pandemic during the pandemic and now and do you think it'll continue trending positive after interest rate hikes take effect I'm currently managing properties  in Ocala fl and I think our hot market won't be highly affected by interest rates hikes due to a critically low inventory vs the demand we have of people moving into ocala

But even if you don't, you can still be successful.Many, many basic skills are applicable to all industries.If you are organized, motivated, analytical and critically think you can be successful anywhere you choose.You will not love every aspect of your job but you will spend your time there regardless.If you choose RE investing, schedule time daily to work on it.