In that case, would the renting process be a bridge to help you retain the home for future personal use? 

Investing does need to be approached more like a business than just a simple stock trade.

Read Hunter's book.would like connections for future projects

It may or may not show on a credit report, depends on the servicing and you should have the loan serviced.Failure to include the debt on a future loan application is mortgage fraud, wanna go to jail?

If not, you could focus on other selling points, like the acreage or future ADU potential, but a garage would probably make the property more competitive.

Take stock of your current credit score and accounts.

If one project slows down, others can keep moving.Stagger Projects: Start planning your next project while finishing the current one to keep your pipeline full.DSCR Loans: These loans focus on the property’s income, not your personal income, which can help you finance more properties.StrategyFlip and Hold: Flipping one property while prepping another for rental keeps cash flowing and builds your portfolio.BRRRR Timing: Since BRRRR is slower now, using DSCR loans to get multiple properties might be a good hedge.Good luck with your flip and future investments! 

I was in a leased building, counting on a hand-shake deal to buy the property in the future.

I will likely do one in the future so the knowledge is still there when I need it.

REITS and stocks are passive and real estate is active.