Just looking at Zillow I’m having a hard time making the numbers work between prop taxes, insurance, management on 20% Down vs cash currently earning 5% (albeit that 5% going away soon with rate cuts)  To be completely honest, there's not much right now that will give you decent cashflow without getting into a full rehab.

If you are skilled in each of the areas above, and you have enough in reserves to cover the costs of when things do not go as planned, then you can likely attract money from private money lenders who want to get a return on their money and they see lending to you as a low risk way of earning a better return than in the other passive investing options they have. 

I would avoid that "guru" - a good property manager can make or break your investing career and I can definitely assure you that you're not finding a great PM using thumbtack!

That said, if you are working for a company that does not allow real estate in their 401(k) setup (most dont allow) then I can see where you might look at where is best to put my hard earned dollars. 

So your debt is currently $3000 per month and your property earns you $1000 per month? 

I had the same uneasy feeling thinking about ditching my W2 job to pursue a career in real estate, when the market turned for the worst.

What is the interest rate on borrowing compared to the rate you are earning, then take into consideration the tax consequences. 

It’s like I have a bunch of clones out earning money for me.

Normally, you need to earn no more than 80% of the area median income to qualify for those programs.Speak with your banker or broker and good luck!  

My name is Jaedon Carlisle.I am a new investor looking for 4-plexes and small commerical units.I currently reside in Redding as well and I would be very interested in meetups or any existing groups.As mentioned above, I have noticed very little inventory and the inventory that exists seems to be very expesnive relative to what I believe constitutes a good deal (at least in my inexperienced view).I am 26 and looking to make this my career.