For now, robust insurance can provide liability protection, with an LLC added later as your portfolio grows, balancing California's fees with liability needs.

Since your job is demanding, and you're balancing family responsibilities, starting with BRRR could add stress without established connections.

This is akin to making one extra monthly payment on your mortgage each year that you may not even notice, which helps you pay your balance down even faster.

Balance what you are learning through KW on how to be an agent and in the real estate class (much better basis for investors in real life than agents) with going to real estate investor meetups in your area.

Gradually transition to larger, higher-end projects as you gain confidence and expertise, balancing risk and reward.

You have a very good balanced approach to getting started and it's great you are prepping for the future.

Undoubtedly all of us have business expenses that can rack up large credit card points balances and can be used for travel in ways better than just using the CC's travel portal.I am leaving Thursday going in business class (full lie flat seats) from Tampa to Switzerland for 70,000 points + $56. 

Diversifying into a high-growth market could balance out your Indiana portfolio nicely.

HAha actually $12k balance.

Lender will make sure you dont open any new trade lines or have increases on your balances.