The most successful people that I have heard on podcasts and met in real estate know that it is all about getting a single here and there and then going to get a homerun while doing those singles.

Placed another 8 unit portfolio under contract in early March, unfortunately contract expired on April 23rd, couldn't secure favorable loan terms that wouldn't allow portfolio to meet cash flow numbers because banks changed lending practices due to Coronavirus pandemic.

Hard money and private investing are both ways to finance flips, but they work a little differently.Hard money loans are typically from companies or private lenders that specialize in short-term, high-interest loans.

@Aristotle KumpisI think the short answer is... very difficult.As @Chris Seveney said, is it possible? 

I left PPR back in 2019 and shortly after co-founded GSP REI, where I've been since.

This is a story from my past that provides a perfect example as to why investing in tax liens at auction is so dangerous for any but the most experienced and knowledgable investors20 years ago I purchased a SFR as a long term rental investment that sat on a double lot.  

@Tom Dieringer After purchasing my first property in 2024, I acquired most of my short-term rental (STR) knowledge from The Short Term Shop, which included maintaining respectful communication with guests, keeping calendar availability up-to-date, and ensuring high-quality listings.When I initially began May of 2024, I opted to list my property exclusively on a single Online Travel Agency (OTA) - Vrbo.

Since you're focused on equity appreciation, consider long-term rentals in growth areas (e.g., Smyrna, Decatur, Marietta), new construction or turnkey rentals for lower maintenance, or small multifamily properties for stability.

Coastal cities might give you long-term appreciation, while places like Lakeland or Ocala can deliver better cash flow right away.

I absolutely agree that building strong relationships within the real estate community is crucial for success.