Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.

This allows the owner to “write off” the value of disposed assets immediately, rather than continuing to depreciate them.

My advice would be to find a mentor (the right investor-focused agent can be great at this), continue analyzing deals, run them by your mentor, and then make offers when a deal meets your buy criteria.

Although 2024 was generally considered a seller's market, based on what's going on in the new and the real estate market --- Do you think 2025 will be a buyer's market or continue to be a seller's market?

I would love to continue learning and eventually using Real estate investing to climb out of my hole.

Our agent is not an expert on this type of deal but suggested a short loan term of 3 or 4 years and a balloon payment and written up by a lawyer. 

I can't tell you how many newbies who know nothing go out to sell themselves as experts who can guide others.

I've had one recent multifamily deal in Florida exit with a 32% IRR and one hotel deal in Atlanta refinance and return 110% of the original invested capital through dividends and the refinance and the hotel continues to make regular 16% distributions.  

Do people take those credentials home with them and continue using your account. 

In fact, invest outside Calif for sure.I suggest you continue to rent and buy an investment property first.