Maybe you could look into wholesaling to start, in order to build up your funds.

I like to spend no more than 10 percent on fun stuff each paycheck and lately ive buckled down to nothing in my fun account. saving all I can to build up a cash resurve for our first house hack. 

I would use that 1,500 to build up reserves in that property until you have enough to feel comfortable to be able to cover any unanticipated expense, or cap/ex.

One thing I can recommend, since you are a contractor, is to document the projects that you work on.. these can start build up your track record, show the results and your knowledge of the renovation process (which is essential for Flips and BRRRR).Lastly, based on your financial situation, more conventional financing might be a good idea to get the ball rolling. 

So every year ideally you would want a few deals ending while you look for other deals in which to redeploy your capital...or build up some dry powder to be used somewhere else if needed.

This was something I thought that I was being friendly and personable as a landlord, but I still ended up getting burned for being nice Rereading this I feel like I sound a bit jaded, but it’s also better to rip off the band aid early on versus letting the bad stuff build up over time and hear things like “the other landlord was never like this” etc etc Best, Michael

I just recently closed on my first duplex and i’m now pondering different ways of financing my next deal. my goal is to build up a portfolio and to do so quickly so i’m seeking advice from people who have been in a similar situation early on in their investing journey.

That is why it is so great to build up many rentals rather than just a couple. 

Red ink?

It seems you have a good enough track record that you can show someone what you are doing and possible find a source of money other than having to wait for your own savings to build up.