After years of focusing on my career and building financial stability, I’m ready to dive into real estate investing and start creating passive income and long-term wealth.My short-term goal is to purchase my first duplex or single family rental. 

Then they work with a lender to get them ready to get the long term loan to buy the property.  

.: Are there any lenders that allow less than 20% down on a DSCR loan? 

so you're recommending that my starting point should be finding a real estate agent, utilize theirbknowledge to learn about the process, and get referrals for good loan officers.

Most of the legit investors I know won't buy those deals out of principle, regardless of terms. 

Maintenance and potential repairs will also require a long-term financial plan and setting aside a contingency fund for such expenses.The steady cash flow, appreciation over time, and tax benefits can make a meaningful difference to your wealth in the long term, especially with the principal paydown on the mortgage.However, if managing the property from a distance feels too burdensome, or if you’d prefer the certainty and flexibility that comes with having less debt (especially given the high mortgage rates), selling and using the $100,000 in equity to reduce your loan for your next home may be the smarter move.

I made some of the biggest changes of my life but I'm setting my career up for long term growth. 

However, I notice that Personal Injury is not included and I'm thinking that may be important to have for a Short Term Rental.

If you want to be buying right now and can't self source leads though you're probably going to need to adjust your acceptable numbers and focus on the long term.

The number of longer term renters looking for a furnished home is a much smaller pool of people.