I don't personally care about checks anymore so that wasn't an important feature for me. 

Most landlords wait for a problem to land in their lap, then they waste a ton of time thinking, worrying, researching, and bleeding money before they ever take action.

The ability to take action can be both brave and foolish. 

Small talk, showing empathy, and expressing genuine interest in their situation can go a long way in establishing trust and goodwill.Be Willing to Walk AwayOne of the most powerful negotiating tools is the ability to walk away.

To establish a 50-50 ownership in both the property and future profits, you'll need a formal agreement outlining each person's contributions and rights.

Let’s make 2025 a year of action and success!

Establishing a good local team will be crucial for you. 

i would never tell a random person on the internet where they should live. 

If I have several options, I would prefer a HELOC with no initial draw requirements (i.e. to establish a literal line of credit that I have no specific short term plans to use), i.e. not something like the better.com HELOC. 

It's awesome that you're taking action.