@Loren Souers I'd have to run the specific scenarios with the rates and fees, but if you're OK with paying the higher closing costs, the Mortgage 1 deal looks good, particularly if you focus on CoC returns.

If you have any tips, resources, or advice for someone just starting out, I’d greatly appreciate your insights.Some specific things I’m working on right now:Building a strong buyers list.Identifying motivated sellers and honing my outreach.Learning the ins and outs of structuring win-win deals.I’m open to partnering, collaborating, or just grabbing coffee to exchange ideas.

I started a new post asking people's thoughts about insurance costs in your local area and specifically costs to rebuild and other challenges:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/95/topics/1227051-insur...

Does that operational aspect have to devour all cash-flow, no not necessarily but it could, all depending on situation specifics right. 

What specific details do you look for in a lead (e.g., financial info, property condition)?

When faced with scenarios like this, it's tough to answer such a specific question with limited information. 

Whatever is closest to "Legal". 

Whichever strategy you choose, ensure you're adhering to IRS rules about prohibited transactions and working with experienced professionals to structure deals properly.Regarding non-recourse hard money lenders in San Antonio, I don’t have specific recommendations.

Perhaps if your partner was a general contractor or handyman type there may be some merit there to reduce costs / increase profitability.If your partner enjoys deal sourcing, a better move might be for him to become an agent - so he could legally collect commissions from finding deals and managing properties for multiple people. 

It's basically a legal 2-unit that can cashflow $900/month.