A couple of months ago, I purchased a property using a hard money loan for $115,000.

Today, I used those proceeds to purchase a 5-unit commercial retail building without coming out of pocket at all.

So any contacts, known meet ups, or especially advice for an initial purchase is greatly appreciated! 

I’m a first-timer, so bear with me if I sound a little clueless – I’m still figuring it all out.Here’s the scoop: I’m looking to purchase a long-term rental property within the $300-350k budget range.

Quote from @Olivia Armstrong: Hey all, My husband and I have been searching for a property purchase, one that temporary checks our boxes and also kickstarts our investing journey.

Since there is a co-owner, you would have to purchase the property and it is really hard (if not impossible) to pull a HELOC as the basis for the purchase (since it is not your primary residence). 

I appreciate it.Aside from the option to be added as 'additional insured' they have the option to purchase a  "ProtectionPlus Bundle' from Surevestor, which includes several things like protection against eviction costs, wilful damage to property, over a $1 Million third party liability protection, loss of rent protection for 25 weeks etc.This is $50/month.

His credit score is fine but his income is showing too low to get the loan, so I though maybe I could use my HELOC to make the purchase and do a Lease to Own.

Although the study may increase the gain, the gain may be taxed at a much lower rate making it a beneficial investment.If a property is purchased with the intention to flip or own for a short period of time (less than 3 years), a cost segregation study may not be significant.Overall, as long as you intend to hold the investment property for greater than a year, the benefits of a cost segregation study should be considered.

But I haven't done anything through auctions yet, as I have not purchased through an auction up to this point.