I'm looking to start off in areas with lower costs coming in, preferably under $100k single families but definitely under $200k.These markets are particularly appealing for novice investors, especially those from California, as they offer more affordable options compared to local alternatives.

Your construction background and being local to Columbus are huge advantages—they’ll definitely give you an edge in finding properties and keeping rehab costs down compared to others.I’d suggest exploring parts of the city you’re less familiar with.

Since these are high yield DEBT deals at 60% LTV or less on commercial property it’s a RELATIVELY low risk compared to value added or new build equity participations.  

But this is Rare.. you cant compare most low value areas of cities in the mid west or Rust belt to Charleston SC.. 

@Manjari Pandey noted.Yes agree the reservations for April have slowed compared to last year.

You'd be better off building a solid emergency fund and developing relationships with reliable local GCs.

Is it high interest rates, finding reliable lenders, or something else entirely?

But…as soon as you pay cash, now you have to compare it to a GUARANTEED 5% bank return on your money.

Hi @Michelle SimoniI would use the Lenders tab on BiggerPockets and reach out to a few different lenders to compare.

Start with one unit or a reliable tenant, then gradually expand.