Agreed @Nate Marshall - I chose the "guru" route to level-up my portfolio, brrrrr stopped working for me as frequently and since becoming a mom, I didn't feel as comfortable flying to locations where I could get the 1% rule so I've transitioned to flipping and enrolled in a course so I can be competitive in a HCOL cityLastly, though I'm not an influencer, I do enjoy sharing my projects on social media (like most people who take pride in their work).

IMO I would skip out on a course but that would be based on your comfort level jumping inUsing your own money?

First, I'd recommend getting to know what different avenues you have such as wholesaling, buy and hold, developing, "house-hack", etc and seeing what you're comfortable with.

I'm guessing I can't be the only one...How do people find comfort in knowing the interest payments, over time, could even exceed the original value of the loan?

Due to the changes with your business, I am not comfortable continuing the current lease.

Curb appeal is a thing, but MTR is about the comfort of home away from home.

If you are comfortable with some risk and having a place there, then I think it could make sense. 

Pick an asset class: Class A, B, C & D properties, research pros & cons, pick one to focus onPick a real estate market that matches your resources & goalsContact local agents & PMC’s to start sending you listings to analyzeAnalyze a few deals weekly, get comfortable with the market and refine what you're looking for

If you can get comfortable with the team and can rely on them, this could save you headaches and costs over the long term.

I couldn’t imagine telling my attorney that my property manager doesn’t feel comfortable sharing notices and material communication to me.