In Real Estate, TIME IS MONEY.Getting a rehab loan done quickly is worth paying an extra few points in order to be efficient as you will be able to expand your BRR business which would yield results greater than the increased cost of capital that hard money brings.In order to escape a scarcity mindset you need to understand that money is in theory unlimited, they print it.But can you print time?

Could any of you guide me on what I should do initially to secure financing?

Every adult must be screened and approved, period.Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening Guide

If you tie the bonus to early renewals, a bad employee will renew bad tenants just to earn a quick buck.

If you present the listing well, put it on multiple platforms and are asking a reasonable rent you will get plenty of interest and applications quickly. 

Lenders typically allow borrowing up to 80% of the home's value, which could more than cover your renovation costs.Fix-and-Flip Loan (Hard Money Loan) – If you’re planning to sell quickly, a hard money loan could be a good fit.

It’s a great way to grow faster.HELOC or Equity Tapping: If you have equity in another property, using a HELOC or cash-out refinance could help cover the down payment without affecting your DTI as much.Seller Financing or Creative Deals: Look for sellers willing to finance directly, which bypasses traditional mortgage qualification hurdles.Scaling quickly often involves combining strategies—play around with what works best for your goals.

Most importantly, how can I set realistic, effective metrics to guide my investment decisions?

For agents, this presents an opportunity to stand out by guiding buyers toward properties in these profitable neighborhoods, making you the go-to resource for savvy investors.If you're curious about how SB-9 can work in other parts of California, definitely check out It's Time to Invest in California, now!

Great beginners guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Ultimate_Beginners_Guide_BiggerPockets.pdf