Begin by targeting distressed properties in gentrifying neighborhoods, securing financing through hard money lenders or private investors, and focusing on cost-effective renovations.

This is a significant potential benefit that can impact everything from security deposits to rent controls to eviction procedures. 

I am now strict about the credit score, and not negotiating any of the other terms like decreasing the pet fee or security deposit to accommodate them.  

That doesn't seem right about having to chase your money - but would need a lot more info to provide a better opinion. also are you investing in one property and is your name secured or you giving an unsecured loan? 

It’s a smart way to dip your toes into investing while securing your first home.You’re not being too ambitious at all!

If a single-family owner-occupied property is worth $400,000 - I wouldn't invest more than $280,000 (70%) in a note secured by the property.ITV takes priority over desired yield - so even if the note discounts to $350,000 based on desired yield, the investor still won't go beyond their maximum ITV. 

They are even working on getting me the evicted tenant's security deposit, the missing JANUARY rent since the place is still empty, and covering the cost of my own manager re-listing the property.

This includes preparing the property for renters, pricing it right, marketing, application screening, collecting rent, dealing with unpaid rent and other lease violations, security deposit disposition, inspections, and so much more.

However, the journey has been anything but smooth, and we are now at a critical crossroads.Despite securing approval for our 42 townhouses, the soaring construction costs have made the project financially unfeasible.

I know that the general guidance is that emergency funds aren't to be invested, but given our financial security and the fact that we already have a personal e-fund in a safe, non-volatile location, would it still be crazy/unwise to invest this 15k in an S&P500 index fund in a brokerage?