The factor that determines the state of this investment is more often than not the time horizon of the individual investor, your perspective is everything.

First thing I want to say is, I'm sorry that you have this perspective.

(And I've seen so many emails from agents trying to sell me on Granby Ranch for Airbnb and short-term rentals, I'd love to hear your perspective on it.)

I have read many books and articles on the subject, but I'd like to hear some perspectives from others who have already started their investment journey: when you thought you were all prepared and put your plans into action, what unexpected and/or difficult issue(s) came up?

The auto loan and student loans are fine but from a lender perspective but they care about the monthly payments, not the total.3.

If I'm in your shoes I would checkout any local RE meetups happening nearby, that would be a great spot to meet some other folks in your shoes and/or other lenders who might be able to give their perspective if it makes sense to pull out money from your home rn or not. 

For what it's worth, some ideas I've seen pitched are grocery bundles (e.g. a breakfast bundle for 2-4 people with eggs, bacon, bagels, cream cheese, and OJ all pre-stocked in the fridge), meal kits, a pre-stocked drink fridge, charcuterie boards, premium coffee selection, bike/e-bike/scooter/kayak/canoe rentals, video game consoles, upgraded work-from-home office amenities (e.g. oversized computer monitor), etc.I'm not a lawyer, but cocktail kits, bottles of wine, local craft beer, and other alcoholic items seem like they would fall into a grey area from liability perspective. 

That perspective makes a lot of sense.

Just sharing my thoughts and perspective on this.

Any CPAs or experts on opportunity funds from the perspective of the GP that can help?