All you have to do is budget that bookkeeping and subscription expense.

(and I have full time job so time is limited)Here’s a breakdown of my investment plan–I would greatly appreciate any guidance and recommendations on making this (or some version of this) happen.PropertyLocationAttributesB-level areas (A-D scale)Safe enough for my girlfriend to feel generally safe walking alone in the eveningWalkable neighborhood / close to transit (car ownership not necessary to live there)Area(s) of interest (not set in stone)Jersey City areaConditionB or C-level (A-D scale)Semi-distressed with potential for minor rehab upgrades ($35k max)DealbreakersFoundational issues / big required rehab due to FHA 203(k) max for streamlined versionSize2-4 units (higher the better)2-4br per unit preferredMax Budget (FHA loan limits)NYCSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,089,300 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,394,775 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,685,850 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,095,200 + 3.5%Hudson County, NJSingle-Family Home: Up to $1,149,825 + 3.5%Duplex: Up to $1,472,250 + 3.5%Triplex: Up to $1,779,525 + 3.5%Quadplex: Up to $2,211,600 + 3.5%TimelineTitle in-hand latest: Jan-Feb 2025Can potentially buy earlier if I sublet my current apartment in NYC as needed (lease expires Mar 1, 2023)Rehab: 30-45 days max of minor rehab/renoMove-in: on or before Mar 1, 2025 (hard deadline)FinancingLoan type: FHA or FHA Streamlined 203(k) for rehab <=$35kPossible conventional loan if I seek investment from family/friendsApproval statusGoal is to get pre-approved now in advance for credibilityMy statsEmployment: Full-time at large bankIncome: low-mid 6 figuresAssets: low-mid 6 figures (including 401(k))Credit score: 800DTI: 2.5% (student loan)Thank you in advance for your support.

What is the best way to make a budget for these kinds of projects based on everyone's experience?

So, if you can budget for maintenance and maintain adequate reserves, you will be much better off in the long run skipping purchased warranties. 

As some of the others said, its important to see where if you are looking for appreciation, cashflow but still at a price in your budget.

They may also not account for finishes, or budget appropriately for required permits.Try googling "Comparing Quotes and Proposals from Different ADU Builders" for a full list of what to look for (I can't link here because it's my own article).

In a city like LA especially, you will need to make sure your rental is set apart from others, so I would have a sizable budget for furnishings and design.

I need to lower that to meet my budget. 

Hi Steve,The Dave Ramsey way of doing things is to write out a new budget every month, sell off anything you don't need or use, get yourself a small emergency fund.

Depends on your budget.