When I established my investor services business in 2005, I posed a similar question to numerous experienced property managers.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

Once you become more established, have a large net worth, etc. you may want to consider more sophisticated trusts that can cost you up to $45,000.

There is a lot to do, lake fishing, trout fishing in the river, kayaking, tubing the river in the summer, hiking, wineries, breweries, petting zoo, go carts; I could keep going...

I really appreciate the detailed insights you shared—it gives me a lot to think about. 

I'm assuming you need an established working relationship with said lender.

Establish a Joint Ownership Entity: You could form an LLC or partnership for future purchases.

For instance, posting a home could potentially violate various laws that listing agents are trained to navigate, such as Fair Housing regulations and the recent NAR settlement.I’d recommend establishing a solid relationship with a listing agent.

The landlord responded that the lease was not subject to the Rent Adjustment Program since the rental was for “sole use of one or more rooms and shared use of common areas (such as a kitchen) in the residence,” which was a single-family home.In its decision, the court focused on the definition of a “dwelling unit” as used in the exception found in Civil Code section 1954.52(a)(3)(A), which provides that “an owner of residential real property may establish the initial and all subsequent rental rates for a dwelling or a unit about which the following is true…It is alienable separate from the title to any other dwelling unit….” .

Instead, focus on establishing an authority in your area and building an audience.