There are two idea I’m batting around in my head right now to get started on my REI journey – I can do it purely on the investing side and become a private lender or a source of hard money loans to builders/developers (maybe that looks like funding a construction loan collecting interest payments while buying time to better understand the dynamics and build relationships) or I can JV/partner with a builder and get equity (upside on a flip/sale) which would be more hands on.Curious what ya’ll input, what you think is the best route for me to dip my toes into REI given my aforementioned situation and current market.

However, not all are well suited for the beginner route, especially if you don't have the lending ability or funds to get into them. 

A desirable side by side with 3 bed/2 bath per unit will generally run $350k-$475k dependent on variables.

If so, why not partner with someone else that can help you fund the deal, either 100% or have your money partner fund 20% and a commercial bank fund 80% then flip it and split the profits w/ your money partner at whatever split you all think is most fair? 

I absolutely collected first, last and security for my class-C rentals until NYS prohibited that practice back in 2019.Many tenants cannot manage their money properly, so this mitigates the issue of not being paid last month's rent when they need to move and the new landlord is receiving those funds they have allocated for their housing during the last month of their stay.This was also helpful to me to pre-screen who has their financial house in order and had saved for their moving costs as part of their planning.If I still could, I most definitely would - without exception.

I have been buying stocks, index funds, and Master Limited Partnerships (which I will get a Form K-1).

Hi @Dave GreenIf you sell the rentals, or even just one, you can use the funds to cover the down payment on a DSCR loan.

While always having at least 6 months of expenses for each property in an emergency fund that maybe is invested in mutual funds or something liquid. 

You’re not alone in that.Let’s break down a couple of things:Your Home: Renting it out could generate cash flow, or selling might give you funds to reset.

Your goal of purchasing that amount of property contradicts your desire to limit risks.