These loans are asset-based and provide quick cash but come with higher interest rates and shorter terms.

They're $99, rated 4.5 stars and I've never had a problem with one. 

Look at things like safety, schools, local amenities, and the overall vibe.

Elite’s rates are a little higher but they sound MUCH more flexible.

The school is very good, but middle is not so much.I have some cash to invest, but can't decide what route to take.

Hello Solomon,A few tips I have for you would be to first; Analyze Deals Properly – Use the 1% rule (monthly rent ≥ 1% of purchase price) and calculate cap rate, cash flow, and ROI before buying. 

For example, my bank will sign off on pretty much anything I want to buy with 10 percent down, with a fixed rate at prime, for 5 to 7 years, with a 30 year amortization schedule.

He is interested in REI, has good basic knowledge on REI and has more than enough saved up for down but hesitate because of current market, interest rate, rental demand, capex, first investment jitters, draw of stock market, etc, etc. 

Cash flow is definitely the biggest challenge; both in terms of finding properties to buy that cash flow with a loan on them and just company wide given interest rates and labor/material is up and, at least where I'm at in Jackson County, MO, taxes are way up too. 

But at a lower rate compared to other cities that are growing.