This is my first rental and everything is taking much longer than anticipated.

Rates are going to start to fall in or aroud May/June of this year so by the time you have purchase the nest home you can do a "Rate & Term" refiance and lower the rate on the first home. 

HELOC= short term useFixed (first or second) = long term use like a down payment.  

It’s a full-time commitment, especially when you’re just starting out.

I'm looking to purchase my first property with my fiancé (both 25) with the goal being to establish our primary residence together, as well as giving me the opportunity to add equity/value via rehab before moving on and converting the property into a rental within a year or so to kickstart an investment portfolio.An interesting lead that recently came up is my parent's neighbor's house.

You'll likely need a higher down payment if you can find anyone willing to finance something like this as a first time investor; many require some level of rehab experience at the very least.

Lenders and Financing• Can anyone recommend lenders in Destin who are familiar with VA loans and can work well with first-time buyers?

My wife and I purchased our first home, a multi family, to house hack in late 2024.

@Sebastian Nadal Congratulations on your first purchase and how exciting that you want to start house hacking!

As times goes on I see my real estate growing much quicker than stocks as most of my current investing goes to real estate.