As a beginner, you can learn a lot from your uncle with a few rentals in another state or a co-worker that's on their second house hack.

I have one applicants whose income is not enough and she requested to see the property, so I used ChatGPT and here is the answer:In North Carolina, an ex-husband could co-sign a lease as a co-tenant or a guarantor, if the landlord agrees to it.

It might be beneficial to find a co-signer to help show more income to increase your purchase price. 

The first I bought with a co-signer (parent), then used another partner on the second one and I bought the last on seller financing.  

I have a friend in NY looking at a co-op.

If you aren't getting that then it makes sense to work with a syndicator that is implementing a value add strategy on their acquisitions.Something else to keep in mind is that you said you are accredited, so with your networth you could get a slice of the GP as a co-sponsor for larger deals when networth is needed for the loan. 

Its like being a co-signor.

You can make over and above what you earn with long term tenants,It does take time and effort (management) which is what I do as a co-host for several owners I work with. 

Ultimately it sounds like your cousin would be a co-signer.

If interested, let me know and I will be glad to fund and be a co-founder.thanks