At the same time, I prefer to minimize liability, though I’m not a seasoned investor.Is this one of those calculated risks that investors eventually become comfortable with, or should I prioritize limiting liability from the outset?

@Josh Bowser - would love to connect and collaborate.

Prioritize your financial stability.

Prioritize financial stability before scaling your investments.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

One key lesson is to always prioritize a thorough inspection—and go beyond the basics.

Happy to collaborate with you!

Here’s what I recommend:Cash Investments:No Debt, No Stress: With cash, you avoid third-party control and loan vetting, giving you full control of returns.Equity Builders: Partnering with builders often reduces your property entry cost by up to 20% below market value.Consistent 10% Returns: With an all-cash approach, achieving 10% ROI is realistic and efficient.Financing Strategy:If cash isn’t feasible, consider a balanced financing model:40-50% Down Payment: Keep leverage manageable while maximizing returns.Lower Debt Exposure: A conservative loan-to-value ratio (LTV) reduces risks and keeps returns stable.Work with a Builder: Collaboration with builders can lower acquisition costs and increase your ROI.Key Takeaways:If possible, prioritize cash for simplicity, control, and consistent returns.Financing can work well with a disciplined approach to debt and a strong underwriting process.Partnering with builders offers opportunities to reduce costs and enhance your portfolio’s profitability. 

Avoid "passive" investments, focus on "active" investments to deter risk and really prioritize quality over quantity.How much funds do you have to get this started, you'll need 10x what you have to get remotely where you want to be.

While I'm still angry about my family, I'm excited that I can make plans without taking their needs into consideration anymore as I shelved my own life to prioritize their needs.

I'd also prioritize expenses differently, easier said than done.