Rented out a new home to a stranger.

Don't take advice from strangers on the internet who have a limited understanding of the law in your municipality.

I agree with you on the sweat equity and I am no stranger to it.

That's a lot to ask of a complete stranger!

There must be a significant reason to them being more affordable but well maintained aside from the fact you share 1 - 2 walls with strangers. - Am I caught in a loop and not taking action out of fear, or does this rational make sense to someone more experienced?

I am also very skeptical of investing my hard earned cash with a complete stranger, having been a victim of investment scam.

And many of you are right, I don't need to ask permission to live my life...haven't done it before so why the heck am I asking strangers now?

But do not recommend doing the “Walmart parking signing” with strangers.

If I rent it to four roommates, it's four leases, four rent payments, four move-ins and move-outs, drama because they are strangers in a shared space, extra vehicles, more visitors, etc.Consider networking with local investors at investor meetups to get local recommendations.

They are not common loans made by private lenders, your friend, family, those known to you in business or some stranger introduced to you, especially in small loans, say under 1M.