I have been contemplating on purchasing a home in this area but most of the homes are old and needs some TLC.

I have dealt with "TEXT ASSAULTS/FACEBOOK Abuse" and held my tongue.

I am contemplating buying a co-op with my longterm girlfriend with whom I have a child.

Spec homes are much easier, quicker and more profitable as what you are contemplating is basically a custom build process.All that being said there are some really successful strategies you can employ to ramp up the process and accomplish your goals. 

I have a friend with $4M in a savings account who has been contemplating a rental investment for the last several years, and he still is as of today :) Once you buy a property from an agent, you will notice that they are willing to spend more time on you

Currently, contemplating about possibly converting our 2 car garage into an ADU to create cash flow.

We are contemplating either adding them to the deed (and incurring those closing costs) or separately entering into a joint venture agreement  whereby they will gain a contractual right to 50% of the profits from the project in exchange for paying 50% of the costs, etc. 

I am contemplating making the property available to Section 8.

$ divided up:100k liquid200k Paid off property(1) I am trying to place my current funds in liquid investments where I can pull it out when I am ready to purchase(2) I have contemplated using a HELOC or Cash out refi in order to assist in the purchase of a another home. 

Hello fellow investors, I have been contemplating the idea of becoming an agent for NC, I've heard both sides some investors have advice me not to become an agent, some investors have recommended me to do so. other than giving you credibility what do you guys think?