Once the work was complete, I refinanced to pay off the hard money loan and held the property as a long-term asset.This duplex also marked the start of my short-term rental journey—we ran our first Airbnb from one of the apartments before scaling to bigger projects.

It’s the easiest way to get a feel for being a landlord without the stress of managing rehab projects.

Would like to be systematic to rinse and repeat with future properties. 

One might even invite you to visit one of their projects to talk about it in detail and give you a peek behind the scenes. 

Quick question on those who have done seller financing:- Buying a 0.3 acre downtown fort lauderdale multi family, negotiated an around 1M price w lot of development rights, double lot. seller got it way back early 90s for pennies- got good credit 800+, w2 job etc put 40% down and mortgage bank offered 6.62% 30yr fixed (CF negative as this would make current rent roll not too much compared to the PITI)- property is in ok condition, needs 20-30k repairs which seller OKd, and all 3 tenants are month to month, pay bit under market but also ok- seller would like to do seller financing, interest only at 5.75%, 30yr amortization at 7yr balloon (CF would be positive) - id be paying some principal as well, just to grow some equity- buying this deal for the future development of the area (las olas, kushner broward crossing) so not really worried even if we overpay for it now, but never done creative finance as i always relied on a strong W2 job to get good loans but obv im used to 3% 30yr rates from covid times not this 6+ environment..Goal is to hold the property 3-5yrs, and then actually develop it or sell half the land / refinance, pull out HELOC if it appreciates.Questions:1) What does he know that i dont? 

If I had not been, then I would have a lot of projects only half completed and a lot of investors very angry with me. 

But at the same time, it could relieve our financial burden and set us up for future investments.What would you do in this situation?

I'd keep an eye out for future development and path of progress plays.  

One question for the community is: What are the next best steps I should take to further educate myself and get started in this industry to set myself up for future success?

If millenial homeowners can't even change their home's air filters, or snake a toilet, or change the oil in their car, that's guaranteed future business for HVAC companies, plumbers, mechanics, and those places all need a place to conduct business in.The commercial mortgage pricing software I use has somewhere around 50 different asset classes in it.