I'm fairly new to the real estate game and currently have 2 properties; 4 bed 2 1/2 bath renters have been in there going on their 5th year, and a new 3 bed 2 bath we're looking into using for a midterm.I work as a radiology manager for Methodist and been with them going on 10 years.

Max loan amount vary by property type for FHA3.

Go on hikes instead of football games.

RE investing is a numbers game so the more properties/options you look at, the higher the likelihood you'll land a good deal in a shorter amount of time.Only 6% of Suffolk 2-4 family properties listed since '23 have been triplexes and quads. 

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

You can utilize hard money for a BRRR or flip to get into the game. 

I am looking to get into the real estate game early and learn as much as possible, especially about house hacking and possibly short-term rentals.

The debtor and creditor would each hire an appraiser to appraise current value, and of the values vary greatly the court may have another appraisal done.  

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

It's part of participation trophy society where people get socially rewarded for just being in the game, but that shouldn't apply to real estate.