In fact, only around 13% of U.S. veterans have taken advantage of the VA Home Loan, which is surprising given its incredible perks—like the ability to buy multifamily properties, no down payment, competitive interest rates, and lower insurance rates compared to FHA loans.

Its simply not feasible to run title on everything that you want to bid on if your out west.the reason is you can look at 50 props you like and only 1 maybe 2 will actually go to sale and you have competition on those.. now i am talking TRUE foreclosure sales not Auction after the fact.

@Brent WarnerFlorida offers suitable income opportunities for investors, particularly in the Tampa Bay Area, with competitive rates and no state income tax, making it an ideal choice for those seeking rental income.Good luck!

The Bay Area, in particular, can be daunting due to its high property prices and competitive landscape.

A house hack is a solid way to get started as long as it aligns with your long term goals.I agree with @Samuel Diouf and @Jackson Ebersole's comments.You'll want to consider the competitiveness on Long Island.

I think the best is wherever you have a specific niche and competitive advantage.

Especially if the competition has less fees.

Here are a few tips to help you:- Market Research: Study the local hard money lending market to understand competition, typical loan terms, and borrower expectations.- Loan Structure: Define your lending criteria clearly—interest rates, LTV ratios, fees, and terms.

After all, if a fellow investor is willing to take unethical actions in a contract or against a buyer or seller, what makes anyone think this person won't also lack ethical principles when dealing with YOU directly? 

For your first deal many will not decide to work with you because you lack experience.