I focus mainly on buying deals and working with partners for said deals. 

We have been working in the affordable housing space for some time, and this allowed us to partner with the local community and provide a housing solution they need as their city continues to expand with new jobs they are successfully bringing to town.

People buy a house because the house fits their needs, financing is icing on the cake.

This house is in a great area that is growing and has experienced solid appreciation.

Quote from @Kristin Vegas: Hi bp. is it possible to do a HELOC on a house I purchased 6 months ago?

I mainly am curious how people have raised capital for their first properties. 

We want her to live with us so she's more active and social, but our current house isn't suitable.

Curb appeal for higher-end properties will be much more important, especially when it comes to marketing - most ads and main listing photos feature the front of the property.In this case, I would consult with a professional - i.e. landscape designer or stager.

Quote from @Brenden Sperl: @Greg Kasmer- I would live in the upstairs of the house and create 2 units downstairs.

I've been managing 70+ midterm rentals for over 3 years and we have never housed a traveling nurse - in our area, their stipends (or what they are willing to pay) are much lower than we can get in rents with other prospective guests/tenants.Utilities are included at all of our properties and that is common practice here.