Right now, I'm just focused on seeing the project through and getting it done!

I am currently in the planning phase of my real estate investment journey and had a few questions I’d like to ask someone more experienced.Would it be smarter to focus on paying down my own mortgage and then use a HELOC as a down payment for my first investment property, or should I simply use my savings for the down payment instead?

And the city is making a big push to attract startups focused on "mobility" not just auto.

The tax benefits refer to the tax deductions from mortgage interest and property tax.The returns mainly rely on appreciation, and the cash flow only improves in the last few years, also depending on securing the 5% refinance rate.I've learned a lot from this forum, but as I start to operate on my own, I'm still not completely confident.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

This is where your focus should be, not buying section 8 rentals or focusing solely on increasing your portfolio by 2x, 3x etc.

But it might make sense to work with folks who can offer more focused guidance on filling the knowledge gap you have.If you shoot me a DM, I can also ask around for more of 1:1 coaching opportunities. 

Have some initial conversations to see who’s responsive, knowledgeable, and investor-friendly.Once you find a good fit, you can focus on building a strong relationship with that one realtor.

We pride ourselves in keeping the forums positive, helpful, and focused on real estate (please, no politics, religion, etc.).

I've dabbled in learning different areas before, but never been focused.