Hi Kareem, congratulations on getting started as an agent. 

Im an agent/wholesaler here & I'd love to connect and see if I can help with anything.

I can see how starting with a 4-plex could provide better returns and learning opportunities without an overwhelming jump in complexity.

The “everyone” who talks about scaling quickly are typically new investors and agents.

You will also provide the whole amount if you plan on repaying the loan in full beforehand.  

Big things is be realistic on timing and maybe provide a mover and or storage unit deposit as they may not be able to figure that part out on their own.

Quote from @Jaikevis Reams: In order to put a property under contract I need to provide proof of funds I know that I can get that from a hard money lender but I don’t meet there criteria for a loan approval what should I do? 

Amateur investor/full time agent here. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

The agent turned down a seller financing option - although it was not ran by the seller - because the agent said the seller is so done with the property that she wants nothing to do with it at all.