Explore remote investing options like turnkey properties or out-of-state rentals with property managers, and use summers or gap years to network, analyze deals, and gain hands-on experience.

@Ike Okwerekwu Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Here are a few avenues folks often explore in times like this:You are already on this path - Owner Financing: It's great that the seller is willing to finance a portion of the deal.

@Dwight HenningRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

You might want to explore DSCR loans, which allow you to qualify based on the property’s cash flow rather than personal income.

•Deal evaluation: Simple, actionable advice or tools to help me confidently analyze and structure deals.I’m also looking to network with wholesale-minded agents, understand local buyers’ preferences (buy boxes), and explore mentorship or partnership opportunities that can help me gain momentum.I’m eager to learn, take action, and build something impactful for my family.

And feel you'll have more options / strategies to explore with a tri or quad plex in the long range.

Gradually scale by researching high-growth markets, partnering with experienced investors, and exploring financing options like SBA loans.

Together, the property nets us roughly $1,400/month after expenses.Equity Split: My partner owns 60%, and I own 40%.I'm exploring ways to take out my equity without disrupting this deal, as I feel this isn't the best financial decision for me right now.

To get started, consider focusing on house hacking in California with properties like duplexes or single-family homes with ADUs, or explore out-of-state rentals in landlord-friendly markets like Ohio or Georgia.