However, with careful planning and a proactive approach, you can navigate these hurdles successfully.

I just used cash to build my first 3 specs no loans at all.. once done and sold then I went to lima got one loan from them.. then went to local bank ( much much cheaper) and got a 3 mil  guidance line and went on to build 30 or so in charleston.. you have to prove the model.. its not like buying a rental where lenders look strongly at your fico  fico is required but not the main consideration like and investor loan and all you need is 20% down or 30% down and a few bucks in reserve that wont fly with spec loans..

While I was running my inspection business, trying to build a real estate business, and taking care of 4 rentals with family, I was also going to night school to get a degree in MIS.

I think it’s a more recent consideration (maybe in the past decade or so based on my digging / anecdotal feedback) and perhaps some of you that have been in the business longer and simply renewing old policies may be getting a pass.  

But after working with him, I realized he was very systematic and mostly cared about closing deals without much care for the client's long term needs.Here’s an example: I had a $10K escrow with the seller—$5K due upfront and $5K after the inspection.

Be careful.

Also, not sure what relationship you have established with your property manager but typically people hire managers to take care of this part and be tenant-facing.  

That number seems high but the neighborhood was “hot” and houses sold really quickly.What I cared about most was completing my second deal to gain experience.

Rental arbitrage can be a great way to start with Airbnb if approached carefully.

If you don't care about income and are more of a capital gain kind of guy, prices are already high (as you noticed) and there's plenty of land available to buy so I'm not sure how much is left in the tank.