I’ve worked with several first-time investors, including out-of-state buyers like yourself, and it’s 100% possible to build a successful short-term rental (STR) business even when you’re managing remotely.

Building a Team: While I can handle most of the renovation work myself, I’d need an electrician and possibly a real estate agent.

Build a strong team, prioritize cash flow, and take the time to understand the local market and regulations, especially for development projects.

I also have some capital to contribute.Could someone explain how syndications are typically structured, and how are people using Other People's Money (OPM) to build large portfolios with little to no money down?

Here is some key information:Property recently hit the market and has 2 cash offers alreadyThe seller provided a pre-inspection report, which I shared with 2 different lenders, both think it may fail conventional financing due to potential structural and electrical issues (realtor thinks it could pass conventional)Seller has 100% equity but is behind on other payments (not sure of the urgency money is needed)This is my first attempt at an “investment” property so I’m new to thisI see 3 optionsMove forward with an offer using conventional loan pre-qualification-Not as attractive of an offer to the seller-Possibility that appraiser calls out structural/electrical issues that need to be fixed before closing, effectively causing financing to fail- Best terms and fewest loan fees for meUse a rehab style loan such as ChoiceRenovation-Even less attractive than a conventional offer to seller, but less risk of failed financing if appraiser calls out issues-Slightly worse fees and interest rates compared to conventional-Lenders tell me possibly up to 60-90 days closing in some cases, with red-tape for contractor requirements and draw schedules (sounds like the most hoops to jump through during rehab)Use a hard money lender-Most attractive loan option I can give to seller so I can compete-Much higher fees and interest rate for me-need to refinance into a conventional at the end of rehab (not familiar with seasoning periods but I think this is a factor as well)Which option would you do?

The discipline to run on a budget for a number of years or decades depending on your math, doesn't factor in emergencies or market changes where the HELOC could be used to invest in other places.

If you want to build a large number of properties, get connected with local meetups. 

I have a few brand new homes popping out of the ground in Canby Oregon.. msut of Portland proper is very old the new builds tend to be skinnies or expensive . 

Prefer keeping this kind of stuff behind closed doors if possible and sorting it out without revealing dirty laundry.I would have been in the same boat as many other turnkey providers that are no longer around if I didn't focus on limiting how much business I take on.And even with my stupidly strict criteria, we still copped the brunt of the sword.Business is business and people are people, sometimes things just don't work out.It's a true shame but such is life.I always want whats best for everyone and for every deal to work out and for everyone to succeed.With the best intentions, mistakes are still made.Those that work hard and do their best, will also make mistakes unfortunately.Again, I sleep in peace and whenever I F@#$ up, it's an honest mistake so crucify me all you want.Thank God, never been sued and back round is squeaky clean and I intend to keep it that way.Less is more and when crisis does arise (It always eventually does no matter how much you prepare and do your best), we can hopefully rectify and do our best to fix.For example, just had an investor loose $50,000 on a deal and the next few deals we are working for free for this investor.We don't have to do this, we want to...Not sure how we would be able to accommodate such an instance if I had 50+ investors loosing that much so I guess my stringent on-boarding criteria has saved our A$$ for 10+ years now.Granted, I'm burnt out on folks and have pulled back even more from doing our "measly" 4-5 turnkey deals per month and have decided to focus on just building my own portfolio.Like I initially intended when I moved to this country in 2012.Thanks mate and keep being great

Start with one close to home where you can learn and build a team.