If no, you may be leaving some money on the table.

Unforeseen repairs are part of the game, and like you said, every project is tuition in this business.

If you do not live in the property, then a primary residence loan is off the table as it's an investment property and not a primary residence. 

With these, you may need to show that you can bring something solid to the table.

Quote from @Ernesto Galindo-Doucette: Real estate investors usually fall into one of two camps: Appreciation-focused – playing the long game, betting on property values to rise over time.

And once you have a valuable skill, you have something to bring to the table in partnerships.

An unsophisticated lender might send all the construction funds to you.Other than for a refinance, or from an unsophisticated lender, you, or more typically your contractor, will receive funds in draws as you complete your project.Most, but not all, first-position lenders will only lend a percentage of your purchase price and expect you to wire in some amount of cash as your “skin in the game.”

The property has a small parking pad for me but the parking in the area seems way more reliable than the more "desirable" neighborhoods.For those that have been in the Baltimore Real Estate game for a while - I'm curious what your opinion on this area is as I've seen mixed reviews. 

Recording is how he gets a seat at the table.

(Especially in this interest rate environment.)If you were starting over right now in 2025, would you still begin with lease options or do you think the game has changed too much for that to be your entry point again?