Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term. 

Flying in monthly helps, but having a local contact (realtor, manager, or trusted partner) is key for regular updates.Use tools like progress photos, video calls, or project management apps to stay connected, and schedule visits at critical stages of the project.

So consider how long the lease-up will take:Is there so much rental demand that you can show it during the late stages of reno and get a lease signed?

So most agents are only putting about half of that $12k in their pocket, and out of that $6k they have to cover all of their operating expenses: licensing fees, MLS/ Realtor Association fees, continuing education classes to stay compliant with licensing requirements, monthly "desk" fees/ technology fees to their brokerage, health insurance for themselves and their family, errors and omissions insurance (required), marketing, car, car insurance, gas, clothes, computer/ software, cell phone, closing gifts, signs, photography, staging if they offer that, etc.

Structuring the Deal with a PartnerWhile your partner cannot directly participate in the loan, there are ways to structure your arrangement to reflect your 50/50 partnership:Option 1: Post-Purchase Equity SaleYou obtain the 203(k) loan in your name as the owner-occupant.After closing, you sell your partner 50% equity in the property via a quitclaim deed or similar legal instrument.Your partnership agreement would outline each person’s roles, responsibilities, and share of profits.Note: Be mindful of FHA’s rules around title changes and ensure this doesn’t violate loan terms.Option 2: Partnership Contribution AgreementYou both contribute to the down payment and renovation costs as outlined in a partnership agreement.Your partner’s contribution could be recognized as a share of the equity in exchange for funding, services, or property management.The partnership agreement would detail how profits, responsibilities, and equity are split.Option 3: Joint Venture AgreementStructure the deal as a joint venture, where you own the property personally (required for the FHA loan), but profits and roles are split per a formal agreement.Your partner could receive equity-like compensation through profit-sharing without being on the title.3.

The arrangement works out fantastically, as all parties can now do what they're best at, and while we are separate entities, our services are integrated.  

I hasten to add that we are at early stages with the 16 unit building, but it certainly seems to be the case so far.

STR can provide more cash (potentially), but its a high risk high reward strategy - if you invest in the furniture, staging, photos, and management or self manage, there is a lot of time and money invested.

If you catch these at the pre-foreclosure stage as slow pays or initially in default all the better as the bank has less in collection expense.You can still work out a discount but even buying at the payoff it can be profitable depending on the property value.You can practically force a lender to sell as it can fully indemnify them as a full payoff as demanded, continuing with a foreclosure becomes a rather vengeful act by the bank to punish a borrower, they don't want to go there.