I have saved up some money but my goal is to save up at least 20k in a year before I start looking for options on house hacking in a duplex.

New construction can be a very attractive option in certain markets.

Trying to keep things simple with long-term single family rentals til I hit my conventional limit then will try different strategies with different funding options.

This way, the lender wouldn’t be triggered (since most allow transfers to a trust), but I'd still have the benefits of an LLC.Other options a.

There are people who buy a longer term (12 months or more ) OPTION giving them a RIGHT to purchase a subject property, at a certain price, within a certain amount of time, and attempt to either sell the option for a higher price or close on a simultaneous purchase and sale to an end buyer paying a higher price.  

It's a great option for the right investor at the right time in their lives.  

I don't see it as an issue but many still do, at least in my small town where the majority of renters are elderly people looking for low maintenance housing options.

I just received two different verbal offers that I'm willing to accept, but don't want to waste time with someone whose deal may fall through.What are my options to enter into a contract with someone who is qualified?

As far as markets go, there are tons of options, what are your goals?

In other words held for steady cash flow.My VARIABLE (note) PORTFOLIO consists of more active/speculative notes - non performing notes I purchased at discount to principal owed; notes I hope to “work” for enhanced ROI, real property I “purchased” with a leaseback option to repurchase, and defaulted notes I purchased planning on eventually taking ownership of the real estate, as well as notes I created that don’t have current payments but provide a guaranteed return plus an equity “kicker” when the property is sold.