@Denise Lang some copy & paste thoughts:TYPES OF RENTAL INVESTMENTSRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

If so, invest.Then ask yourself if you're financially fit; can afford this property to make it 1.25 DSCR and have significant reserves for vacancy, capex, lead times, etc.

The ability to speak the hard truth with empathyIt doesn't matter how good a mentor is: if they don't mesh with you personally, it will be a disaster.

This gives you a foothold in the market without overextending financially, and you can always explore other investments later.If you can find a multifamily property in Asheville, that’s an even better house hack.

Unfortunately with those numbers it's tough to find a non-bank lender/financial institution that will lend.Usually loan minimums are $50K and the up to 75% LTV on purchase-money/70% LTV on cash-out refinancing, which basically means you need up 25-30% depending on the type of financing. 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

Are your investments registered with either the SEC or with the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation?

Have a baby, and gallop into the sunset (while still making calls to PM's)INTEREST:I first got interested in Real Estate Investing because of the potential financial freedom it can provide to me and my family.

Prioritize your financial stability.

Was everything ok at the end or did it end you financially?