The more issues you can take off their plate before you lock it up under contract the better you'll be.

For example I know many who are now just lending because they are getting 10-12% short term which is far better than any cap rate on real estate. you do not have the equity upside as you do real estate but its a way to play the short game to see what happens over the next 12-24 months and decide when you want to buy.

Personally for what people charge for these programs I would say you are 1000x  better off taking some courses at a local college, getting a degree and working in real estate to get paid for experience and then do real estate on the side for your own portfolio as well.

A better comparison is to compare your potential real estate investment to whatever else you might do with the money.

With their low income and it's unlikely they'll get a better paying job.

The city offers more affordability compared to the DMV area, with many renovated homes selling below 350k giving you a better chance at finding a property that fits your budget while avoiding sky-high prices.

I think you’d be better off getting a true appraisal.

@Mike Grudzien Happy to help on an DSCR and we also help train brokers in this program so they can speak on & guide better on it, Great product to have.

But if you can stomach it, and know your numbers/tenants/team, you'll be in good position to better your financial future.  

The 401k is a valuable asset but its my thought that I can use this asset to further increase my portfolio by putting that money to better use.