A local Housing Commission needs a very good reason, with lots of paperwork, to exceed a limit.

I am on the board of CFRI, our local REIA and I know we have dozens of agents and investors that have their license if only to list and buy their own properties, but could recommend some to you. 

Well I must have an AWESOME local agent because I have no complaints at all and have used them for years.  

If you’re wondering how much equity you’ve built or how you can use it to meet your goals, connect with a local real estate agent to explore the possibilities.

Very useful view.Curious, where are you pulling numbers for local mortgage, insurance, and tax rates?

Since you're already in Tampa, staying local for your first few deals can help you stay hands-on and learn faster.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

The most sure path for local RE investors seems to be with a near term exit. 

start w local bank or CU ?

He gives realistic no fluff advice for those starting out and of course that's a huge part of BP audience not the guru's or the guys at are at the top already or say they are.. but real advice on how to work in a local market and do the things it takes to get there and how long it generally will take a person if they are dedicated extremely focused on the goal as Steve and his family were.