Hey @Dalton Foote - I highly suggest  using a renovation loan and house hacking a multi-family if that is possible with your current life circumstances.The 203k and homestyle renovation loans are just amazing products and drastically help you reduce your risk, in my opinion, because you are able to leverage the cost of the entire renovation with such a low down payment loan.We work with a lot of clients who use these products in Chicago, and no matter what, in the long term, they gain great equity.If you aren't able to house hack - the process is essentially the same, but just with more money down with hard money or conventional construction loan.

Many investors start with a multifamily property, like a duplex, as living in one unit and renting out the other can offset your mortgage and reduce vacancy concerns.Take your time running the numbers and researching neighborhoods—you're off to a great start!

I asked our manager about reducing the rent but he said we are asking a fair amount and we are getting lots of interest but a lot of cancellations, no shows, or people who don’t follow through with applying or don’t meet minimum credit score.

That is a 3.4% cash on cash return in year one (7903/232000)Year 2, reduce 7903 by 5592 because there won't be property tax break so that is $2311, or 1% c/c return in year 2 (2311/232k)Year 3, reduce the $2311 by $4930 for PM fees for a net loss of -$2619 per year or a -1.1% c/c return in year 3 (-2619/232000)Essentially, these numbers are so far off of pro forma and there is pretty much zero wiggle room on these numbers. 

Reduced competition and higher prices for renters.RealPage, of course, denies this.

As you get deeper into your career you never want to reduce your prospecting and lead generation.

For example, the length of loan can be extended; or the interest rate reduced.

Another key benefit is diversification; an SDIRA allows you to include real estate in your portfolio, reducing risk by spreading your investments across different asset types, which isn’t possible with a standard IRA.Moreover, assets in an SDIRA often enjoy protection from creditors, adding a layer of security to your investments.

Quote from @Aaron Zimmerman: I would look for other ways to legally reduce income such as cost segregation studies.

But there are many things that can be done to greatly reduce the chance.For example, many sponsors are audited which provides an additional set of eyes.