Making note of this as my own mental commitment to be more active on here.Anyhow, I closed on my first home back in early May after a couple months of battling it out in a veeerry hot market.

We all have our challenges, right? I'm retired military, do some DD on the side, so having time isn't an issue. MANAGING time is a diff issue. lol. I believe learning to maximize my time will lead to my FIRST DEAL, wh...

I understand and am already mentally prepared that this wouldn't be easy especially living in California.

My risk tolerance is usually pretty decent, but given the stakes (of being unable to find alternative financing), I can’t seem to mentally let go of conventional lending options.The risks I anticipate are: 1) Credit score will drop with a lot of activity in a short time (though I don’t know how much), 2) The properties are pretty rural, so appraisals could be low or lenders may offer lower LTVs because of the rural classification, and 3) Sudden market shifts could make lenders skittish about vacation rentals, making it more difficult to secure non-conventional lending.My questions are: 1) How confident can I be that I will be able to secure a DSCR loan?  

Very selfish, but there are people who have that mentality.

But that's TV, and to make (big money like you refer to) in Real Estate it takes specialized knowledge, TIME, and Money as well a the ability to handle Risk without breaking down mentally or emotionally....I'm not saying you can't do it--you certainly can...but it will most likely take time (in addition to your practice) and sometimes stress and TIME combined working at it.How long will it take...unknown.

Today I opened up my mail and received a letter from a legit mental health professional in the area stating the young lady was prescribed an ESA.

Today I opened up my mail and received a letter from a legit mental health professional in the area stating the young lady was prescribed an ESA.

After having a baby and losing his job its more important than ever.I Gave him books - doesn't have the patience to read them or wont tryLate night conversations over a couple beers, talking about life and mindset - I just get eye rollsHas anyone ever been successful in helping a family member who is struggling mentally, financially and physically?

If you're not, you are going to get beat by alot of others that are..I'd rather have a chair when/if the music stops but that mentality also forces me to miss deals.