However, if I take my resources and spread it around, I can weather bad times better.

I know there is not a ton of resources that don't require large financial commitments, just wanted to see if anybody knew of cheaper alternatives. 

Ideally, the best option from a financial point of view would be to go through a local community bank.

Prioritize your financial stability.

My goal is to achieve financial freedom through house hacking and long-term rental properties.

Prioritize your financial stability.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

So, make sure YOU understand the copy & paste info below:Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Alternatively, happy to be a resource, run analysis on deals etc.

Great tools that get updated regularly.I am on the lending side of things and would be happy to hop on a call with you anytime to discuss financial strategies and help answer any questions you may have about nearly any loan product available to help you on your journey, even if they are not products my capital partners offer.We are all here to help you learn and grow.