I personally started in my local real estate market in Columbus Ohio.

The drawback is you need to build trust and relationships upfront.Both have their place, but private money tends to offer more flexibility, while hard money is more structured and accessible if you lack personal connections.

Of course most GPs have personally put in money to keep the deals from sinking.

Have you calculated what your (monthly nut) is you need to survive business wise and personally?

Quote from @Matthew Crivelli: Personally, I'm not a fan of Air B & B.

So the question becomes based on their individual and personal tax situation what is the estimated tax burden they'd save? 

With a Conventional Loan you can buy a SFH, Duplex, Triplex or Quadplex with as little as 5% Down if it is your primary residence as long as you have the intention of occupying one of the units for 1 year after closing escrow.This is the strategy I have personally implemented and have assisted many of my investor clients in doing the same. 20% Down is also beneficial as it keeps your payment low but it does limit your ability of buying more real estate faster.i would be more than happy to discuss the different strategies with you over the phone or in person.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Gator most of the risk is on the person providing the earnest money.

Use the lookup with my name and self storage and zoning.1.