I am getting close to purchasing my first investment property and looking for any help or guidance anyone can offer.

Are home prices trending up or down, and is it a good time to buy or invest?

This setup brings in around $800 per month.Get creative with it, house hacking is an amazing investment strategy! 

How do I buy 1 house a year and keep investing?

How Do You Identify the Best Real Estate Investment Opportunities for Private Money Lending?

Fast forward twenty years and (maybe a $100M in cumulative real estate transactions later) and I'm still advising investors on asset management, typically focused on real estate as an agent OR mortgage broker, but conversely with clientele of my own age group with similar goals. 

My advise to others is typically this - think about what YOU need most on your journey. 

Thanks @Julia Lyrberg I've been happy with the lending on my investments.

-Am I screwing myself from any first time homebuyer deals, higher interest rates due to personal vs investing, etc.?

I just started my due diligence phase, but the first thing I need to do is better understand the financial feasibility for the project, and how the return might compare to other investments we have undertaken in the past, which have been mostly acquiring existing buildings and renovating, not new construction.