I took the real estate broker exam and became a commercial real estate broker while also purchasing property for my own account.  3 years later I “accidentally” purchased 1/2 ownership of an automotive service business and eventually ended up with 8 locations.  

Look at it as a 20-30 year investment and it should eventually cashflow.

My ultimate goal is to build a real estate portfolio that provides financial freedom, something I can manage passively on the side until it eventually surpasses my 9-to-5 income.Thanks everyone!

If the cosigner/guarantor owns real estate for example, any unpaid judgement will become a lien on that property and raise the odds significantly for eventually getting paid.If the cosigner/guarantor doesn't have assets like real estate to go after all they are offering you is a promise and last I checked you can't cash a promise!

@Rob Carmody, if they did work for you even if if there was no specific agreement about the cost you probably owe them money for that.

There are lots of house-hacking opportunities in Ohio if you eventually decide to go that route! 

I'm pretty new to the real estate investing game but obviously looking to gain the skill and knowledge to eventually build an empire. :)I am a clean, quiet, and respectful person and looking for the same while rooming together for these few days.I live in Vegas but originally from SoCal.

The good applicant eventually gets tired of carrying the water for the other, leaves, and you are stuck with a bad tenant. 

My goal is to create passive income and then eventually turn this into a full time job for myself.

If you go into multiple units eventually it may be the easy button to do that.We use Bizcor which specializes in STR sites, but it may be overkill again as I think they cater to PM's.