I will be using Lifeproof from Home Depot, if anyone has gone this route before.

I do have one house in Memphis bought in 2018 so I’ve dipped into the out of state game already so I’m not scared to go that route again.

Trying to go the seller financing route may severely limit your buying pool. 

There are two idea I’m batting around in my head right now to get started on my REI journey – I can do it purely on the investing side and become a private lender or a source of hard money loans to builders/developers (maybe that looks like funding a construction loan collecting interest payments while buying time to better understand the dynamics and build relationships) or I can JV/partner with a builder and get equity (upside on a flip/sale) which would be more hands on.Curious what ya’ll input, what you think is the best route for me to dip my toes into REI given my aforementioned situation and current market.

Crazy but true.Here’s a CSLB chart, if you go the individual and homeowner verification route, you’re gonna need a lot of supporting evidence of competence and testimony from who you worked for etc.  

If you love hospitality and hosting, maybe the Short-term or mid-term route is for you.

However, not all are well suited for the beginner route, especially if you don't have the lending ability or funds to get into them. 

Only go down the new construction GC route if you plan to do a lot.  

Two - In my due diligence, it looks like the only real option to make this unit legal is a special permit and variance, therefore, causing me to update the whole building with sprinklers, fire alarm, and meeting stretch code (certainly not enough meat on the bone for this route).  

I will go that route.