Opting for mid-grade materials will help stretch your budget.Structural/Mechanical: If the home needs a roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work, that can take a big bite out of your $50k fast.

From the public website,The BetterLife Tribe program offers everything you need to achieve real estate success:Monthly Calls with Brandon Turner and top real estate experts, providing you with insider knowledge and strategies.1-on-1 Personalized Coaching to tailor a growth plan specific to your goals and challenges.Access to the reiOS System of Success, the exact operating system Brandon used to scale Open Door Capital to over $1B in assets.World-Class Real Estate Education and Tools that equip you with the skills to dominate any market.A Thriving Network of 1,000+ Active Investors ready to support, inspire, and challenge you on your journey.Seems like a great program like many do in the marketing materials

As you get more experience, scaling up to larger properties will open up even more opportunities.

This is a great way to scale as you build your savings post-college. 

It’s the only safe way to scale and cash flow is most definitely NOT a myth.

A deal this small wouldn’t make sense as a partnership unless the original intent was to scale and grow together assuming this deal works out.In regard to the financing, if you can’t get it on your own without someone else’s balance sheet and income then it would be very difficult to untangle that partnership since he’d be a personal guarantor right along side you.  

I look forward to learning and scaling with like minded people! 

The lessons you learned the hard way in 2008 will be invaluable now, and it’s great that you’re aiming to stay small-scale and within your comfort zone of Sacramento, which gives you an advantage of knowledge in that market.Given your experience, I'd say start by focusing on three key areas to build confidence and minimize risks:Budget Control: Over-renovating was one of the big mistakes you mentioned.

Could I have scaled more by re-leveraging? 

Partnering with others can help you scale your business and access greater resources.