Starting local offers hands-on experience and control, ideal for learning the ropes, while out-of-state investments can provide better returns but require a reliable property manager.

I know building a reliable local network will be key, so I'm hoping to connect with experienced real estate team in the area.The military presence in Jacksonville catches my eye, and I'm particularly interested in properties that might appeal to military personnel and the associated contractors.

The best way to see if someone is a reliably paying tenant is by their credit score. 

Hi @Abel Curiel - can you share the consultant's name with me as well? 

I have poor credit, which has limited my loan options.Closing Costs: Roughly $22,000, covering prepaid taxes, mortgage insurance, lender fees, and HUD consultant fees.The Shortfall: $25,000Initially, I planned to use a down payment assistance program in Detroit, but due to misinformation, it turns out I’m not eligible.

Consult with competent legal counsel to guide you regardless of your choice here.

If you must retain some cash, consult a tax advisor to understand the liability and optimize reporting.

But consulting with the town would be good to try to understand what they're permitting process is like.

You should consider consulting an attorney.

It’s also important to be as specific as possible in the scope of work for each line item—clear details can save you from misunderstandings or unexpected costs later on.I specialize in consulting services for situations just like this, helping clients work confidently with contractors by bridging the knowledge gap.