While doing some research last year your name popped up as an owner in a rust belt area.

Then you will have that under your belt and then the next time a deal crosses your path, you can show people what you have already done.If you want to avoid financing you could just wholesale.  

Black belt investors can be informative and is generally smaller so meeting people can be easier.

I know your area doesn't cash flow like the rust belt, but appreciation has been historically strong in Hawaii.

With crowdfunding in many cases, it works well when you have a handful of successful investments (for example, home flips or buy-and-holds) under your belt in a particular market, and at least a small group of friends that would support your deals financial.

In regards to the Elgin market there is definitely a good amount of inventory, which is why I plan to attend a local REIA meeting in the area to help determine what the major buyers are looking for in order to hopefully get my first investment deal under my belt.

  ( west coast I am talking about not mid west or big inner city rust belt type places IE Detroit)

Hi Nicole,There is a lot of information about you and the deal that are not in your post but I would suggest that an 8 unit coupled with college rentals may be a bit much for a brand new real estate investor.Yes, you have to jump in and get your first deal under your belt but my feeling for new investors is to start small and safely add practical experience to your educational process.

Creditors like to wear belts and suspenders to keep their pants up.    

If you get a duplex, get the best renter possible, and pay your rent just as you were, paying yourself, and letting the tenant pay your mortgage/utilities.Now you own a property, you have established a relationship with the bank ... and you have your first "deal" under your belt...