One was conventional financing and the other was a portfolio loan from a local bank here in Hawaii, I also did a lot of research into DSCR loans during my search.I'm also an agent here on Oahu but focus mainly on Property Management, at the brokerage we manage roughly 50 units that are a mix of STR, MTR, and LTR's. 

Go to local meetups, search these forums for people that have mentioned that they do private lending and attend other RE events.

Check into your local regulations.

I’m a local real estate broker with Keller Williams, and I love helping investors find great opportunities in the area.

I know where I am going to hang my license as long as my application is accepted and am excited to become a local real estate agent.

Researching local job markets, schools, and even infrastructure projects can provide insight into potential appreciation and cash flow.You might want to explore markets in the Midwest or South, which often have lower entry points and better cash flow potential compared to California.

Don't be discouraged by the lower returns—house hacking is often about long-term wealth-building, and your primary residence can offset some of those mediocre numbers.Make sure you're accounting for local trends and realistic rents—sometimes expected rent growth is overly optimistic, or costs like repairs might be underestimated.

Looking for potential analysis pitfalls, offer strategies, analysis metrics, discussion of local market conditions, and general networking/camaraderie. 

Try networking locally with HML's who know the market. 

I’m currently diving into the world of rental property investing and exploring opportunities in my local market.