There may be some lenders that might be a little more "borrower friendly", but I haven't found them (nor do I have the time to look for them).You might be able get better terms if you "house hack" by getting an FHA loan, but I don't generally work with those loans.

Wasn't for me.I'm not affiliated with the company, although their founder @Brandon Hall is a colleague and a friend of mine. 

I can't post much publicly due to BP's self-promotion rules, but if you have any questions, send me a message, or reach out to our support team who would be happy to help.We have almost half a million users using our platforms daily who absolutely love them.

We live in different worlds my friend.

Borrowed money from friends and family to pay cash for the property as the bank would not finance it until it had been remodeled, made livable, and brought up to code.

I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

South Jersey more landlord friendly than North Jersey, but you have more appreciation in North Jersey. 

Asking for a friend.

Also remember California is very tenant friendly, so if you did rent it and want to sell it, how much would that cost you (ie how much would you have to pay the tenant)?

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.