Hi Treza,Not sure where you are in the process there, but when your ready to exercise financing options please reach out, it's very difficult to find a ground up program for inexperienced borrowers without having an experienced GC sign on the loan with you which in turn is not easy to find. 

As far as whether to approach them with or without an agent - approaching them directly without an agent can save the seller probably 2.5-3% of fees, which give you some room to negotiate on the price, but you need to be confident that you are capable of evaluating the property value, estimating on the amount of work that is needed, knowing how to negotiate/ structure the deal, and navigating the closing process.

That says huge red flag to me.

Though, this process will be the same for the other state (if you created a CA LLC you may need to register it as a foreign LLC in the state in which you are doing business/holding property).

Joining the Rent to Retirement Academy has been a huge step for us, and we’ve learned so much along the way.

I’d love to connect with experienced landlords and investors who can share advice on getting started, selecting properties, and navigating the Section 8 process.

I don't think we will be able to afford a 1.5M+ mortgage without a huge down payment (sale of our house).I feel this would be going backwards as we would focus on one property preventing us to do other things.

That can be a tough part, but isn't close to half of the process.

You can build your own team i.e. title co, insurance, pm, contractors, handyman,process server, lender etc.... or you can find an operator who can get you going in that market while simultaneously building out your team.Section 8 housing is a great way to ensure consistency with rent payments however not all tenant who have HCV pay 0%.

Considering traveling nurses/workers, as well as seasonal rental for ND home games (also a huge Fighting Irish family).