That is a valid question, which is why you have to be careful with what you select as you would with any other investment.

Traditional lenders don't care about your savings or net worth; they care about your employment and earnings.3.

Does that include covering your (future) retirement needs, health care costs, all other corporate benefits?

Add utilities, lawn and pool care $800-1000.

Build a solid team and evaluate deals carefully using tools like BiggerPockets calculators to ensure strong cash flow and returns.Good luck!

If you’re really set on building a portfolio, this might be a good way to go since it’ll give you the liquidity to take on more properties.BRRRR: If you’re leaning towards long-term rental income and portfolio growth, the BRRRR method could be an attractive option, but you’re right to consider the numbers carefully.

The much larger group 1 is the people who are naive and due to their lack of knowledge, experience, and possibly limited capacity, get “suckered” by the scammers.The smaller group 2 are those that understand but don’t care if they’re part of an unethical undertaking as long as they make money themselves.  

Do right by them and word spreads, momentum is built and eventually you are raising money from PE firms, family offices etc. if you care to grow beyond your personal network's means. 

I’ve dabbled in real estate too, and I think using a home equity loan can work well if you’re careful.

Maybe have a decent sized pool of cash to take care of the occasional roof repair or personal expense, but almost entirely in real estate?