This is more common in today's market and often allows the seller to get a higher sale price than if you were to go through a bank/SBA loan.

Don't cheap out on this, and don't try to take photos with your cell phone. 

Your negative cashflow problem is very common. 

We have found places like USVI have their own standards that are common that may be very different than mainland.

My business partner owns a roofing company but has weak credit and more limited cash flow.An LLC is a common choice for partnerships since it protects personal assets and simplifies tax management.

From there you can even skiptrace for a phone number and email.  

We're letting them come at us from all angles (phone, text, email, portal) but... it is 2025 and we do push the portal pretty hard. 

Can you spend money on a CRM, automations, VA calling service, a VOIP phone system, etc?

Are there any common mistakes new investors make when working with brokers, lenders, or contractors?

All the best to you during your last semester.Househacking is one of the most common routes for new investors in NY.For best returns, I'd recommend focusing on South and Southeast Queens, Central and Southeast Brooklyn, and the Bronx.There are parts of the suburbs (Westchester and Long Island) that have househack opportunities but the property taxes are higher and the commute time to NYC is longer.Abel