@Abigail KingStarting a first house hack in Peoria, IL involves researching, education, financing options, and management tips.

Now do you understand his version of "gator lending"?  

I’ve been educating myself and would like more knowledge and a deeper understanding of the real estate world.

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

Quote from @James McGovern: I am interested in purchasing a few condos in Florida and want to understand if there are any insurance products that cover the rising cost of HOA assessments? 

The main reason I'm asking this, is to understand how much cash I need to save up in reserves before pulling the trigger on a deal like this?

At the end of the day (from what I understand) it is a wash anyway. 

It would involve putting an external staircase on the side of the house and making the second bathroom into a full bath.

Understanding their cash flow is critical.I especially like your idea of communication clauses—non-responsiveness is a huge red flag, and setting expectations upfront can save a lot of headaches later.

Unfortunately, these are considered “investor hours” and will not count unless Jackson was involved in the day-to-day management.