Definitely focusing on offmarket or even on market multifamily homes (minimum 4 units). started off in real estate development last 2 years but the paydays are brutal building then waiting to sell.So now looking to switch up strategies to purchase cashflowing properties and then get back to ground up construction or even possible fix and flips. 

If you’re doing a straight forward investment property purchase, I recommend you try to connect with an investor focused mortgage broker or lender.

It frees you up to focus on living your life and acquiring more property.

We focus and specialize in "on market" MLS deals. 

.• Use some equity from the sale to make this transition smoother.I’m torn between maintaining our current home as an asset and buying  a new smaller house to use as a rental after we move back in versus simplifying and focusing on a single upgraded property Considering factors like market trends, potential equity growth, and quality of life, which path do you think would be most beneficial?

I’m also a newbie to commercial real estate, focusing on multifamily, but I’ve found that many principles overlap across asset types.

I would suggest focusing on Norfolk over Portsmouth,  its a better market with more appreciation. 

I feel like there are some strategies and follow up I'm missing and hoping to work for a capital raiser or an investing group as a capital raiser, so that they can focus on what they excel at, rehabs and project management.

They also appreciate honesty and transparency so they can make decisions fast without any surprises.Some of the top skills that you can focus on are:Comping: Knowing your comps inside out is a must.Negotiation: Being able to connect with sellers and strike a good deal is huge.Networking: Relationships with buyers, agents, and other wholesalers are invaluable.Also, Get to know your local market being able to talk the talk in your area will help a lot.

Getting one property and cashflowing it will be a challenge. you can try seller financing but you are still going to be highly levered which just enhances the risk that you are taking on.The best way to grow is to focus on managing your rental, saving money through your W2 and crushing that - if you are a realtor you will make more crushing it as being a realtor than over leveraging real estate - then save for down payment and buy slowly. its not a rush.