I've cheaped out and bought doors where I had to chisel out the space for the hinges and strike plates.

Using the appropriate amount of lights and mirrors is a pretty low-cost way to really make the space feel custom.Unique tile installation patterns such as vertical stacked or herringbone.

Then when you have enough money for the 3.5% down, buy a place that you can live in and rent out spaces to other people. 

In the attic or crawl space?

As a newbie I would not go into this space without money.

They are knowledgable in their space, but I find them on the pricey side.

I wish we had more spaces like that here in Florida. 

It’s inexpensive to provide but can make a big impact.Comfortable Bedding: Investing in high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens improves the guest experience and leads to better reviews, which can boost occupancy rates.Smart TV or Streaming Services: Offering Netflix, Hulu, or similar services is a low-cost way to enhance guest entertainment and stay competitive.Fully Stocked Kitchen: A well-equipped kitchen with basic appliances and utensils appeals to families and long-term guests, saving them money on dining out.Dedicated Workspace: If your property caters to remote workers, adding a small desk and ergonomic chair can set your listing apart.Outdoor Spaces: If your property allows, an outdoor seating area, fire pit, or hot tub can significantly increase your nightly rate and attract more bookings.Energy-Efficient Features: Guests appreciate eco-friendly options like LED lighting, smart thermostats, or solar panels, especially in eco-conscious markets.Keyless Entry: A smart lock is a relatively small investment but offers convenience and security, which many guests value.If you’re deciding on amenities to add, it’s always a good idea to research your local market.

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

And will never find out because the open-space advocates won their measure while the developers measure failed by a whopping 63%!