Simon, Here in FL its much easier for us because we know a few things:1) The U.S. is severely under supplied in housing units. 2) Tons of people are moving to Florida everyday which makes point #1 even more drastic for us. 3) Interest rates are preventing people from selling their homes, because then they would need to re-trade for a higher interest rate buying a new home, which is creating even more housing demand.So with this knowledge, now we move to more market specific data, which is what I talk about in the original post.If a market shows decent growth and demand, then it all boils down to the numbers.Its important not to forget about any costs though.

Have participated (currently still involved in them) in two real estate syndications.I'm originally from San Francisco and ran into that same issue back in 2021.

Originally I was just going to flip this property,  now I really want to keep it as a rental. 

SECU is easier to qualify for with lower scores, but comes with a 1% origination fee.

You'd be leaving the original home intact and that shouldn't affect the terms of your loan. 

Originally posted by @Nicholas L.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated as I work toward my investment goals.Here's my original posting: Requesting Investment Strategy Advice for a Real Estate Newbie (biggerpockets.com)

You are correct that you still have the original 50k as depreciation recapture. 

20% down720 credit1:1 ratio7.875% no points$1800 lender fees3 year PPP in states where allowed but we can originate in all 50 statesFully delegated.  

Loan is NOT in our name but in the name of the original borrowers.