Plus, house hacking with a VA loan’s benefits (no down payment, low interest) is a no-brainer.After a year, transitioning into BRRRR with single-family homes makes sense, especially since you’re working on your real estate license—it’ll sharpen your skills and help you spot opportunities.

One of my early properties barely broke even, but after a couple of years, rent hikes and expense optimization turned it into a strong performer.For cash flow benchmarks, I usually aim for $200-$300 per unit, but your situation.. house hacking.. offers unique benefits like reduced living expenses and quicker equity buildup.

I'm SURE you mis-spoke and meant to say, he's a close friend that I am trying to help but it was not my intention to "fix his credit".Debt Relief and Credit Repair Scams"The FTC has brought scores of law enforcement actions against these bogus credit-related services, and the agency has partnered with the states to bring hundreds of additional lawsuits"SOME CASEShttps://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/consumer-finance/debt...Financial Education Services (August 5, 2024 )Panda Benefit Services, LLC., FTC v.

You are (older/retired) and could benefit from house hacking and buying a duplex, or renting a room.

I"m also seeing people doing STRs to get the tax benefits besides the higher cash flow. 

Other advice, especially that pertaining to tax benefits, is also highly appreciated!

Do they include energy tax benefits within their study?

Columbus is a strong option where you can find properties with favorable rent-to-price ratios for cash flow, while also benefiting from business expansion and population growth that drive long-term appreciation. 

Not the most scalable method, but I like the benefits it affords me while I am still a smaller operation.Completing 500 builds in just over 10 years is impressive for someone who just sorta fell into it.

It may work in the long term but can be a painful process.i wish the OP the best and i believe he can benefit by recognizing the value in the various responses but seems unwilling.