Fundrise was created in 2012 and is better but still ultimately in the same boat.

From what I'm gathering on this thread, though, it seems like there wouldn't be anything to "preapprove" if the intent is to use a portfolio loan; you'd have to have a performing asset in place in order to demonstrate an ability for the investor or LLC holding the property to pay back the loan, and you'd run the risk of leaving all your capital tied up in the property if you were ultimately unable to get approved for that portfolio loan when the time came. 

Ultimately it's a matter of preference and deal dependent, and inspections are not necessary if you're confident in the price you are getting

BP library gives a huge boost into the knowledge area which is pretty much sufficient to get comfortable in investing and help find a sweet spot where you could use your background to shift the area. 

So I'm on Schedule C .... and my very expensive home ultimately generates a large loss.

Ultimately, the decision is entirely up to you.4.

But ultimately I’m not opposed to taking a calculated risk as long as I have a complete picture of the situation. 

And if the rates ever do come down from 7.25 to say 5, I'm going to get a nice little boost in income when I refi.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

I say this for a couple of reasons. 1) You will be living in the property, so ultimately you want a property that is somewhere you would like to live 2) Better location will be far easier to rent & likely demand higher rents.Lastly, I am unsure if you have an Instagram, but I have a house-hacking physician assistant friend who posts a lot of great content about her experience in Pittsburgh @theinvestorpaGood luck Ashley!