With $50k, you might be able to get started using an FHA loan, which typically requires a lower down payment, as long as you’re planning to occupy the property.

Rates are typically higher than a traditional cash out refinance, however at least you are not getting the full loan amount + you have the flexibility to draw/tap in the money whenever needed.

What are the average utility costs, and who typically pays them (tenant/owner)?

Here’s what I do with my rentals:I either have tenants split the utility bills or include a clause in the lease that states if the gas or water bill exceeds a specific amount ($X), the tenant will be responsible for the overage, provided there are no leaks or other infrastructure issues contributing to the high usage.To determine this $X amount:Water: I take the highest water bill I’ve had over the past year (excluding periods where leaks occurred) and add about $15 to account for small fluctuations or potential increases.Gas: For gas, I calculate the median bill during the winter (when usage is highest) and the median bill in the summer (when usage is typically lowest).

You are not far away but with the down payment and budget, that would put you in some rougher areas which typically have higher turn over or more up front capx.

Playing for cash flow still, but also a little for appreciation and the single families typically dont require as much hands on work on a weekly basis (mowing grass, shoveling snow, etc.)Everybodys niche will be a little different.  

However it is typical to allow the lawyer representing the lienholder (lender) to make an unofficial bid referred to as the "upset price".

The smart play would be to build a two story wood frame structure on top of piers or concrete block in most cases. 35 feet is a pretty typical height limit in most neighborhoods, so depending on elevation you SHOULD be able to build two stories on top of the elevated foundation.

Borrower Types: The Professional - HM Lender will cut sweet-heart deals to keep these borrowers around Experienced real estate investors Regularly engage in property transactions Typically have a track record of successful projects The Newbie - Charge Higher everything as the risk is higher as no experience Novice investors or first-time borrowers Limited experience in real estate Seeking to build their investment portfolio The Deadbeat - Only lend if the deal is so SWEET, they can't lose if they take the property from the Borrower Borrowers with poor credit history or financial difficulties High-risk borrowers May struggle to secure traditional financingThe lender will do an application on the deal/borrower and some standard docs they require are:Hard Money Application / ExperiencePurchase contractARV report – COMPS – See * Redfin*Pictures of Property – most people use Dropbox to shareProof of Funds – Down / Reserves (Bank Statements)Personal identification (ID or passport)But usually if the deal is sweet enough, they will do it anyway because if the deal goes south, there is so much equity/value in the property that the HM lender can't lose.

We have a local who started as a delivery driver.