Wow, that’s a tough lesson, but one so many of us in real estate can relate to.

The VA and Fha loans have been able to do it but their strict appraisal guidelines make it tough to buy the often older homes in my market in Virginia Beach / Norfolk Area. 

This contractor has 0 reviews on yelp which I found a bit sketchy, but was able to vet him by his contractor's license, worker's comp, and by visiting some of his ongoing projects.

Quote from @Kaushik Sarkar: I’m exploring strategies to scale my real estate portfolio given the current mortgage rate Not sure much makes sense at 11%...Ouch....tough enough at 7.5%   Might have to put more than 20% down to finance....maybe 30% in North Texas.   

Would like to hire more daily workers to decrease time.

I had a STR in another market get shut down by zoning, so I put construction workers in there on a 30+day stay over the summer and now have a MTR tenant to keep the lights on through May after which I'll sell since I have no guarantee on having another 30+day contract next summer.

Typically will be rent by rent strategy (which is tough for none owner occupants) or College rental.   

Maybe go to one in a tough neighborhood so you really get in the thick of things. 

As for the decision, it's really tough for any of us to say without knowing your goals, your situation and the numbers on this particular house.

Other introverts will feel comfortable with you and that could actually help your journey......more important qualities are honesty, integrity and being a harder worker than others.Just be yourself and go get started.