I had started a meetup that was getting a solid build up, but unfortunately, Covid hit and I had to stop it.

Your mentor’s advice about starting with a rental property is solid, and a duplex could be a great option for house hacking.

Best of luck on your journey, the DMV in my opinion is still one of the strongest markets in the US to get started in.  

If not, it's just a matter of waiting for the lender to start lending in that area again. 

The permits and architecture was done prior to start.).For most people the finances are the limitation to scale.  

Or should I stick to my original strategy and maybe even start looking to refinance soon?

We recently relocated to Phoenix last summer and I'm starting to look for recommendations for local credit unions here in Phoenix which are trustworthy, low rates, personal touch, easy/simple to work with, etc. 

I would like to start close to home as I plan to self manage the rental side of it.

Duplexes for sale starting at $585,000 with a 3.75% interest rate.

I’m looking to start in DFW since I live in Arlington but eventually I’ll be open to other markets to diversify my portfolio.