He prioritizes deals with substantial margins, mitigating rate increases, and actively manages rehab costs to maximize profitability by being heavily involved in the process and GCing his own projects.

Remodel while the property is still in your name to increase its basis, which can reduce future capital gains taxes, and take advantage of the capital gains tax exclusion if you sell within three years (up to $250K for single filers or $500K for married couples).

Based on your description, it sounds like you would violate the self-dealing rule and could put your SDIRA at risk. 

Some days I feel confident and then other days I'm worried about a ton of things like (what if I get ripped off).

The 10-year treasury is currently sitting at 4.62% as of 1/24/2025 up from 3.73% on 9/13/2024, reflecting a 23.8% increase over the last 4 months (Source).

What is market rate rent, what are they paying, and start the conversation about increasing rent (probably next year) if necessary.

In Real Estate, TIME IS MONEY.Getting a rehab loan done quickly is worth paying an extra few points in order to be efficient as you will be able to expand your BRR business which would yield results greater than the increased cost of capital that hard money brings.In order to escape a scarcity mindset you need to understand that money is in theory unlimited, they print it.But can you print time?

Quote from @Micah Huffman: I am considering relocating to Nashville for a job promotion that would be a 20% increase in pay possibly more.

I currently have around 20k cash for a down payment and that is steadily increasing so I want to pull the trigger soon.I'm interested in Fort Wayne for a few reasons:- I have some family in the area (they won't be involved, but have some general knowledge of the area)- Decent schools- Low crime- Airport- Low pricesAny advice or connections are welcome as I am completely new to this.

You will likely run into a lot of late-20's/early 30s guys doing this, who have a lot of confidence but not a lot of experience.Overall, I think the biggest thing is finding a group that generally has the same outlook as you.