If not get yourself an agent who can represent you and save you some time along the way.

For example is a personal loan from a bank is 7.5 % that you could use as a down payment (after its seasoned), and your 401k loan is 4.5% but the 401k is expected to return 7.5% per year the money you save on one end you miss out on the other end basically and if your 401k returns are 20%, then you lose out significantly. 2.

The best acting, best jobs, best food, famous landmarks, best museums, best park, best comedy, etc are all arguably located there.It allows the ultimate lifestyle for those who can generate the income, the ultimate opportunities, and the ultimate optionality. 

For yourself, I'd save up enough to be able to house hack, and then house hack.Hope that helps.  

Spent too much of my own time trying to save money.

As a one-stop shop for mortgages, real estate, and property management, we save our clients money and time by providing a seamless experience.

You don't have to be a contractor but it will save you a good chunk of money. 

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.

I have been researching tankless heaters, and I'm leaning towards an electric tankless heater to save space and finally be able to wash laundry in-house.

Ultimately, a “win-win” keeps your tenant profitable while ensuring you’re not underpricing your asset.As for notice periods, definitely check your local regs, from what I’ve heard.