Where are you looking to buy in those states?

There is no real risk. 

There are programs with low to even no seasoning.With cash out refi's you're most likely looking at 75% LTV max for most programs and 80% for rate and term

While there’s no official A/B/C/D classification of Phoenix neighborhoods, here’s a data-driven breakdown of some of the best areas to invest in, based on median purchase price, average rent, and investment potential.Top Phoenix Submarkets for BRRRRAreaMedian Purchase PriceAvg Monthly RentAppreciation Potential (1-5)Cash Flow Potential (1-5)Maryvale$320,000$2,00043Alhambra$350,000$2,10043.5South Phoenix$375,000$2,20053.5Tolleson$360,000$2,15044Avondale$380,000$2,2504.53.5Glendale$400,000$2,30043.5Mesa (East)$420,000$2,4004.53Paradise Valley$1,500,000$5,50052Breaking It DownIf you're looking for the best appreciation potential:South Phoenix, Avondale, and East Mesa are seeing rapid development, infrastructure improvements, and rising demand, making them strong contenders for long-term value growth.If cash flow is your priority:Tolleson, Alhambra, and Maryvale still offer affordable entry points with solid rental demand, making them attractive for investors looking to generate monthly income.If you want a balanced investment:Glendale and Avondale offer both rental income and appreciation upside, making them ideal for investors who want the best of both worlds.What’s Trending in Phoenix Renovations?

@Robert GuntherThe under counter all-in-one units are common in Europe, but rare here.  

Would love any advice or insights.

.: The hate for wholesalers on BiggerPockets is insane when there are still genuine, good wholesalers out there who aren’t selling a dream.There are good wholesalers out there, but unfortunately, there are also a lot who have no idea what they're doing and some that are just scammers. 

We are looking to partner 50/50, at least in the beginning - so starting with about $300k.

I suspect even the banks who are aggressively expanding are doing so merely to sure up their geographical presence  to in order to expand their customer base but will then pull back on their branch numbers.Unless there is significant term remaining on the lease, there are other retail concepts that would be deemed more marketable.

Missing out on depreciation doesn't matter for now because you're living there.