@Edward Suess-HassmanTo make sustainable investments, set clear goals, research markets outside the Bay Area, consider creative financing, learn from others, build a strong team, and use educational resources.

Back when I first had the idea of real estate investing, creative financing was my only option, seeing as I had little capital on hand and even less of a chance that any lender would talk to me. 

There are other creative ways to get this done.

If you can start local or close whether it's a house hack or being creative I would first

Are you sticking to traditional banks, exploring private lenders, partnerships, or maybe something creative like seller financing?

I would probably structure it as debt like a loan and possibly break it up into quarterly payments or whatever you think will work best for you as far as repayment. you can get creative....

If yes - How can you creatively make yourself money without costing the tenant more? 

Househack, creative financing (seller financing/subject to), buying properties through lien auctions, partnering with someone who has cash.

This reduction in access is what the compensation was to be for and tenant complaints will be many and with creative language. 

What are some creative revenue generating strategies that you all have explored?