Yes, we flipped it to get a chunk of money to invest in other properties, but the chunk somehow slowly disappeared taking care of 3 kids, eating out, etc.Maybe what I learned is to get your financial house in order first. 

Also, Ive bought office supplies, went out to eat with contractors, and more, should I be using a business credit card? 

And yet the millionaires are buying up coastal real estate, all while tell common folks to stop eating beef and driving SUVs.

Gotta eat that mistake.

What probably doesn’t help also is that we will be using hard money which eats into profits and so getting that better deal seems to be harder compared to investors that have cash. 

Starting from the basic, a house has laundry and a refrigerator and a place to eat, to be with your family.

I am also not a fan at all of HOA's, the fee eats the profit and can fluctuate.  

I believe my experience in the market can be valuable for both buyers and sellers, but I'm also eager to learn more about building a strong real estate investment portfolio.I'm particularly interested in BRRRR strategy, short-term rentals, and multifamily investing.While I sleep, eat, and breathe real estate most of the time, I also enjoy sports (go Vols!)

Higher prices but you eat less. 

I eat the cost of something goes bad and/or go after the guy I paid to do the install etcThe flip is if the tenants does it, and it all goes bad, now I have to go after the tenant to get paid and lets face it, that often doesnt end well.