This can provide more lucrative opportunities by allowing you to take advantage of lower closing and holding costs while keeping much or all of your money out of the deal.Every investor starts somewhere.

fyi, one of my children (also in Indiana) had a very good experience with a VA loan through Veterans United.If you can find a tenant who wants to be rural and have space but doesn't have a down payment or for some other reason doesn't want to buy or can't buy, that person could be an excellent fit for your situation. 

Let them know about the PM and emphasize that you will keep the property in excellent condition, thereby making the whole block look better.I'd schedule a visit where you stay for a few days, and at that time maybe a gift card would be appropriate......

Happy to share mine I made from using Word and Excel.

. • The unauthorized person or persons are not current or former tenants pursuant to a written or oral rental agreement authorized by the property owner. • The unauthorized person or persons are not immediate family members of the property owner. • There is no pending litigation related to the real property between the property owner and any known unauthorized person. 

Your experience with project management and relationship building will be invaluable in real estate, whether you’re interested in development, investing, or property management.Your entrepreneurial mindset and eagerness to learn are excellent foundations for diving into real estate.

Tenants pay with Zelle, PayPal etc.Only takes me a few minutes per month to put in Excel.  

I'd see if the employer would let me receive part or all of the bonus in 2025 for a number of reasons:- More time to pursue and execute tax-saving strategies- (Possibly) more time to hold on to the $$$ before taxes are due (2026 vs 2025)- Chance that, post-election, there is a possibility that there could be tax changes effective 2025 that could possibly help your situation. 

If the other four homes are owned by family, why wouldn't one of them be buying this one or all of them buying it?

Given your experience managing 138 doors, you already have a significant advantage in understanding tenant needs, property maintenance, and financial planning.Key tips:Focus on personal finances: Keep building excellent credit and maintaining healthy reserves.Financing: Explore loan options like conventional, or DSCR loans to maximize your purchasing power.Location: Research neighborhoods with strong Section 8 demand and landlord-friendly regulations.Due diligence: Analyze properties carefully, factoring in rehab costs, property management, and cash flow potential.Your expertise and willingness to learn put you in a strong position—best of luck!