The members here on BP that talk about STR auto-run systems didn't install those systems and find dependable cleaners & handymen overnight.

It depends.

Lender portals vary greatly as well.

I find that depending on the market $300-500/mo are fairly normal and if compared to what you would pay with a single family home on some utilities, maintenance, and management, it's a good deal.

There are definitely options for less than $100k, just depends on how much lower - $75k is doable but less than that gets a liiiiiittle tricky (although still doable in some cases).

Alternatively, I have spent the last decade doing technical work in cybersecurity, and can land a job between $140k-$190k (depending on where in the US). 

I think it depends on the individual and opportunity.

Your success depends on it.

Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal level Learn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are needed Know everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Depending on how far values decline is the difference between a partial loss and total loss. in essence its the same position of those who make second loans behind the first or third position when pref goes in front of you..