Hi Garry,To ensure your safety, it is highly recommended to visit areavibes.com and select the "See more crime data" option.

Starting with remote investing, like in Charlotte, can be an option, but it might be worth exploring local opportunities in Orange County too.

I recommend comparing lenders to make sure you get some good terms and financing options for your next investment!

You could theoretically structure a deal where you are cash flowing negative, but have an overall positive ROI.

I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

Am I in a bad position.

Another option is to co-sign but that has the same impact on my credit and responsibility to the bank.  

In fact, most of them probably won't show you any positive cash flow.Most areas of Texas have been struggling.

Also, if you were in our position, what questions should we be asking the lenders to make sure it is a good fit?

Beyond Pricing, AirDNA, and a few others are options as well.