Some of the best opportunities can be found in other regions, particularly in markets known for strong rental performance, stable property values, and tenant demand.

Working on setting up my first home now...not there yet, though.

It’s a great way to add value to a property without putting a ton of money upfront, and it can set you up for financial success in the long run.Has anyone else done a similar renovation project or used a gift of equity in their deals?

If so, they all have / bring it's own set of questions, guidelines to know about.#4 - Have someone local that you trust, go over zoom and get to ask them question.

I know many landlords set a credit score threshold around 580-600 for Section 8 tenants since the program provides a rental guarantee.

Here are a few strategies to consider for funding a down payment:Partnering: Like Gregory mentioned, finding a partner who can contribute to the down payment in exchange for equity or a profit share is a solid option.HELOC or Cash-Out Refi: If you have equity in your home or another property, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can provide the funds you need.Private Money: Reach out to friends, family, or private investors who may be interested in lending you the down payment with a promissory note.Seller Second: In some cases, the seller might agree to finance a portion of the down payment as a second mortgage.Live Frugally and Save: It takes time, but reducing expenses and setting aside funds from your income is a tried-and-true method.The right approach depends on your situation and deal structure, but a mix of creativity and resourcefulness can go a long way.

Since this is a post about our loan shop, I'll highlight that we are a small loan shop (30 employees), family-owned just trying to get more clients by placing their loans well and treating customers well.

I've attached the median list price for Detroit here as well to compare to something like Cincinnati. 

If you plan to grow your portfolio, consider setting up separate LLCs for each property to shield them from liabilities tied to others, though this adds complexity and costs. 

Quote from @Brandon Blackmon: @Bruce Woodruff 100% the answer I'm looking.... a solid GC, has a 20-25% markup to I would for sure know going into this that these are private companies and they can set their own fees.