My plan is to mainly focus on cash flowing properties that make the 2% rule. 

My plan is to start house hacking.

Yes we definitely encourage everyone to STICK TO THE PLAN when renovating!

If you plan to buy in your hometown, buy a 2-4 unit, and live in one of the units.

I’m at the very beginning of my REI journey and I would love some guidance on how I can best optimize my planning, research and saving phase (which I’m dedicating 2025 to).

@Matthew Posteraro That's a solid plan.

Upgrading isn't worth it if you are planning to rent it out(generally) unless you were planning on doing a refi or sell it.

You will also provide the whole amount if you plan on repaying the loan in full beforehand.  

Quote from @Daniel Tanasa: Another option is to get a small cash out refinance from the house you plan on fixing up, if is in financeable condition, and use that to fix it up, while still cash flowing.

Many people choose NOT to have this, because the administrator will then vet every investment you make to ensure you do not invalidate your IRA.Invalidating your IRA means that you've done a prohibited transaction and the entire account is then deemed as distributed to you.If you don't want checkbook control, then I recommend a plan administrator such as Equity Trust - www.trustetc.comIf you are sure that you're aware of all the rules around prohibited transactions and disqualified people (who you can and can't do business with), then a plan administrator like Sense Financial would be a good place to start talking.