To avoid pitfalls, research liens, check property conditions, and set a max bid before buying.

Typically, I also avoid paid education because there is so much free content.

If you're looking for ways to accelerate, consider these options:Seller Financing – Some sellers may finance a portion of the purchase price, reducing your need for a large down payment.DSCR Loans – These loans focus on property cash flow rather than personal income, often requiring only 15% down.Private Money Lenders – If you can find a PML willing to work with you, you may be able to put less down.Partnerships – If you’re open to splitting profits, you could bring in a partner who funds the down payment.Since you’re okay with the slower path, just keep stacking cash, but these might be worth exploring to move faster!

I can keep going, but that will all depend on each answer.Let us jump to your comment about your spreadsheet calculator, as I mentioned market could be completely different depending on where you live in, fo this you have to look at what you want to focus on "appreciation" or "cash-flow", there is a balance between them when one increase the other drecrease, and that will always depend on the market, neighborhood and cities where you are planning to invest.Finishing with your comment about wholesaling, please don't look at it until you fully move-in, wholesaling is another beast that is managed different and requires a lot of partnership, relationship and local knowledge.Let me know if I can be helpful in anything else. 

Hard money lenders (HML) typically want to ensure you have the financial stability to handle the property and loan repayment, so proof of liquidity is a common requirement.

You can do a 1.0 DSCR but all that means is you do not have a good cash flow asset and you are just holding for appreciation only.The refinance portion will require another appraisal. 

As you mentioned, I first require GROSS household income to be at least 3x the rent.

It's required now with the new regulations.

Short term rentals do get more money, but also cost more to run and require more time.  

That's a sizeable tax bill that can be avoided just by investing in a different type of account.