I love that you have specific goals for 2025 - I believe if we think it, write it, say it, and share it our goals are 10x more likely to come to fruition.Are you able to do option 2 and just house hack a 2-4 unit building and use a renovation loan which allows you to put down 3.5-5%I highly suggest getting to some local chicago meetup groups (we have an in person one on the 17th)...here is BPs list: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I also have a full list of the chicago meetups that I can share with you too if that'd be helpful.

Prosper averages a 3-4% default rate (I would suggest 5% to be conservative).I have been investing with Prosper since 2007 and their loans absolutely default.

Kindly let me know if possible.RegardsHey Kemi, I'd suggest working with an investor focused agent who also invests themselves. 

@Venka Pulla Many smaller PMCs are unprofessional, they can also be vindictive.So, suggest you get all the info you can from your Owner Portal before terminating them.Also, hire a new PMC BEFORE terminating the current PMC.Then, terminate and work closely with the new PMC to get tenant payments switched over and whatever documentation is missing.Hopefully, you'll screen for a new PMC better than you did to pick the current one!

Out of your list, I suggest the Northern and Western cities you listed (Conroe, Montgomery, and Katy).

Most properties are remotely managed by owners/PMs and what was suggested would be an impossible and unrealistic standard to set - much less enforce. 

In addition to those I would also suggest making a commitment to going to local meet ups and networking events in your area.

During the meeting attorney suggests they have a “great” case, and they should move forward by filing an immediate injunction to “freeze” assets.  

I'm so sorry this happened to you and great suggestion on adding a paragraph to the lease.  

Brown, I obviously don't use other registered agents so @Nathan Gesner suggestion is pretty good.