Save up ~$10k in HYSA emergency fund2.

I have liquid funds ready, but I want to make sure this is worth my time compared to the 5-6% cap rates I've seen on multifamily units in South Florida, which are close to what I already get from CDs and high-yield savings accounts without the hassle of property management.I'm also hesitant to invest out of state since I'm new to real estate and don’t want to make a costly mistake.

This allowed me to save over $1,200 per month on my payment and also increased my principal paydown by over $400 per payment compared to financing a new "high interest" loan! 

For our private lenders, we use people in our local real estate community.

Right now, I'm reading and learning everything I can while saving up cash to get started next year investing.

The you drain all of your savings unless you have more and how will you pay your taxes and insurance?

If there is any way to save to househack a 2-4 unit building, I would also consider that. 

Your credit score (672) is a bit on the lower side, which may also be contributing to the higher interest rate and cost.Have you looked into working with private lenders or small local portfolio lenders?

Speaking to an asset protection attorney about this where you can discuss your personal assets and business assets in a private conversation might be something you would want to look into.

I'm familiar with how a hard money loan is structured, but structuring a deal from a private lender seems like the wild west.