The reason for the few extra pieces of paperwork is to help people with no experience have a more controlled process.

Then that next area of diversification you are entering is completely beholden to one piece of real estate.  

I also like leaving for 2 weeks having only 6 pieces of mail in my mailbox when I get back.

I know that I can buy a lot and use that as a down payment, but I have two pieces that are making me a bit nervous.

REI's aren't buying properties, they are buying pieces of a market. 

I told the rep (who honestly didn’t look old enough to shave) that we won’t lend on a property if the purchase price + repair is more than 75% of the ARV.

Are you looking for a certain amount of protection just in case something happens or piece of mind?

Then, once we have that dialed in, I'll probably work the same strategies in other markets and just do the lead gen piece.

This means ONLY make your listings live when everything is top-notch and ready to go - photos, listing, email workflows, house guide, etc.”This last piece of advice is SO key, and we see this ignored by homeowners all the time.

The best advice is don't wait, make the connections, and put the pieces together now... that way you will be ready when the time comes.