All being said, most real estate investors advocate that the earlier you can take action and acquire your first deal, the quicker you'll learn.

Does anyone have experience?

By Year 15 we will have acquired 4 properties.

If you’re able to dive deep or work with someone who has boots-on-the-ground experience, the returns can be very rewarding.Good luck with your journey, and feel free to reach out if you’d like more insights or resources on Detroit!

If you're looking for funding, it’s worth exploring lenders that are flexible with builder experience requirements. 

Alternatively, using your HELOC to acquire another cash-flowing property, then refinancing that loan later, can be a smart move.

Seller financing or subject-to deals can help acquire properties with little upfront capital.

I have been very successful in helping clients acquire Airbnb homes and creating themes and uniqueness for their homes to be more appealing and marketable.

Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate). 

I manage around 400 rentals with 14 years of experience and have never been sued once.