Developing that trust with someone you don't know may seem like a challenge, but if you approach it correctly, you should be able to achieve a pretty solid foundation of trust.The best way is to talk to others who have had an experience investing with the sponsor already.

Amazing achievement!

I created the following decision tree diagram to illustrate the decision process (click to enlarge).The above decision process is based on the property’s performance record, with the goal of achieving financial freedom in mind.Financial freedom is not just replacing your current income.

Although it may require a higher initial down payment to achieve immediate cash flow, the growth potential in Austin is unprecedented.

A lot of my clients buying in FL are happy with minimal return but are buying for second homes, tax benefits, etc.I would stick with value add - with refi you can still achieve high CoC and a good equity position. 

While real estate investing aims to achieve financial freedom, this is only possible if you invest where rents outpace inflation and there is significant, sustained population growth.

I am in discussions to seller finance a townhome-style quadplex.

Thank you @Dave Foster I look forward to my new venture and investing in real estate hoping to achieve financial freedom and enjoy my life with my kids and my beautiful wife that has a terrible debilitating autoimmune disease.

The goal of the first 3 deals will be to target 1-4unit styled homes, requiring minor-rehab.

You'll likely find it easy to find people who will tell you what you want to hear, but you really need hard facts not speculation.But for some speculation, if you're talking about the Nantahala River or Little Tennessee, sure I think you might be able to do $22K/yr, but not much more, unless perhaps the places are uniquely styled.