Plus, house hacking with a VA loan’s benefits (no down payment, low interest) is a no-brainer.After a year, transitioning into BRRRR with single-family homes makes sense, especially since you’re working on your real estate license—it’ll sharpen your skills and help you spot opportunities.

I learned some deep skills that will be useful in other realms.This isn't so much "bird dogging," with them giving you some scraps for bringing them business. 

Look into getting into a skilled trade as an electrician or a plumber Work more spend less.$10,000 might seem like a lot to you and it is to your circumstances but its doable.Good Luck!

Given your husband's expertise in marketing, you probably have the skills to grow a business. 

Oh also number one skill to develop regardless of the route you take is being able to identify and get in contact with motivated sellers.

Even really skilled operators are left with no back up plan because they can't pivot to LTR in that market, can´t fetch the price they paid because the STR has lost some steam and was bought using nightly rate numbers etc.

I am sure working for the Home Vestors Franchise gave you a lot of tools/skills on getting undervalued properties.

You are basically doing a flip first, which requires a whole different set of skills.)So, with $50k revenue, if you hire a PM, they charge 20%, so you give up $10k right away. 

It could be the lack of screening skills.

If you’re serious about private lending, this book is a great way to sharpen your skills and make smarter decisions.Good luck, and feel free to reach out!