For minimizing upfront costs, FHA is better; for liability protection, conventional with an LLC is ideal.

If not, buying a turnkey, rent-ready property could be a better first bet.

Once the new home is finished, then you would probably be better off doing a VA refinance on the new property and paying off the equity line.

Sales prices and mortgage rates make it really hard to find good deals today.Wholesaling sounds good, but you could make better money working extra shifts as a nurse.You could look for run-down properties as buy-and-holds.

Wall removal is better for sale usually for open concept, and sometimes for rentals, but if you want more occupancy (potential rent by room) removing walls restricts that.

If the economy gets better, you might be able to refinance and/or if you make more money, pay down the principal later if that is what you really want.

Here is what I learned, my mistakes, and what I regret house hacking starting at 22: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous...Also, in my experience the more uncomfortable you're willing to live, the better the numbers will be.

I'm assuming there's lots of stuff out there that's way cheaper.I originally wanted to just buy a couple lists of 10k numbers each of targeted motivated sellers, and then hand them off to a VA company that will dial them, but I was told it'll be a much better business if I get proficient myself and then hire my own VA's and train them.

(If there is a better idea there, please let me know.)

Video is even better, if professionally done.Most of our travelers that are coming from any distance are happy enough for great pictures and good customer service to rent.