Initially, we didnt give them they money until work has been done but based on the work and relationship we built, we decided to pay this one ahead for the next project. 

They didn't make a fuss over the due-on-sale clause because they valued the relationship and the steady cash flow.From what I've heard, smaller regional lenders or credit unions are sometimes more open to these kinds of creative financing strategies.

Start building relationships with local real estate agents, contractors, property managers, and lenders who are investor-friendly.

You have to be proactive and build relationships without being pushy as an agent and over time, the clients come.

It provides additional liability protection beyond standard property insurance, which can protect your personal assets if the LLC's assets aren't sufficient.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

When you add books + podcast, your time in the forums here learning, AND in-person networking and relationship-building with real-life real estate investors, you will gain more confidence in the reality and soon be in the starting lineup.

I would build a relationship with your lender.  

If you choose this route, make sure to have clear, written agreements in place and maintain a professional landlord-tenant relationship.

This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Taking action for you right now, because it doesn't seem like you know much, is going to real estate investor meetups, reading books, listening to podcasts, and asking a lot of questions while building relationships with other investors.A VA house hack is overall a better option, but comes with more overhead.