- Network with local agents and investors, so you start getting first crack at new deals.If you can amp up the cashflow on the first duplex, you can use the extra cash to:- Pay down the mortgage, setting yourself up for a future refinance to free up your VA Entitlement.OR- For your next acquisition.One of your biggest challenges will to keep the cash flowing when you move out of a duplex.

I do not know him, but the path he is leading you is a difficult path    Note difficult does not imply impossible; there are people who are successful with S8 housing    In my area s8 is so undesirable that they write laws trying to make it challenging to not allow S8 tenants.  

Then use the extra roommate rent income to pay down your mortgage and look to refi to a lower payment in the future (3-5 years) - so it cashflow when you move out.You could also choose the smaller unit and STR the other unit to generate more cash to pay down your mortgage and refi, so it cashflows when you move out.Bottom line: you'll have to get creative to solve your cashflow challenge!

The equity increased a ton especially w the limited supply 

Many people start out active because they want exposure to real estate and don't know that you can start out passive - you can effectively hire the asset manager and supply capital to the investment.You can have great success as an active or a passive investor - but it is important to understand the difference and to select whichever option matches your skills and resources the best.Good luck!

New built for starting out could be a bit challenging.

The insights gained from these projects have validated our initial assumptions about cost savings and construction efficiency.Future Vision:We're now developing a complete senior community model that combines:Affordable container homesCommunity-focused designSustainable practicesScalable business modelInvestment Perspective:From my fund management experience, I see three key advantages:Lower capital requirements than traditional developmentFaster time to marketMultiple revenue streams (sales, community fees, services)I'm sharing this to start a discussion and get feedback from the BP community.Questions for discussion:What challenges do you see in this model?

I eventually want to buy a house but I think as a novice this will give me some experience and the opportunity to learn the challenges that I will need to overcome once I do buy my property. 

I recognize it is a tough RE market with many challenges.  

My CPA instructed me to list my repairs as CAPEX or repair items , furnishings were supplies for the rental.