In the past year we've been through the ringer financially due to bad contractors, deal promises, and generally just being new to the game.

I’m not in the game yet, but I’ve been diving into this to prepare for my first multi-family deal.

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Quote from @Jamie Parker: Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Those are video game calculations.

I have a few lenders who do but they still require some money from the borrower so they have skin in the game.  

Very informative post that is invaluable to some of us that are newer to the game.

It’s a longer-term game, though, with higher upfront costs.I’d say spend some time researching your target area and connecting with local investors or meetups—they’re goldmines for market insights and networking.

Real estate is a long term game once you understand that it gets easier my friend .

I'd like to get a few properties in my portfolio, continue to network and learn the game and then transition into finding, funding, rehabbing and closing my own deals. 

I can tell they are both on top of their game.

Then you hire a coach to accelerate your learning and take you to the next level.Using a sports analogy, it would be foolish to hire a basketball coach if your intent is to play pickup games every Saturday for fun.