Another option that I've seen in the local market is purchasing a heavily distressed or big rehab project with a local hard money lender that will allow a smaller downpayment due to the amount of equity in the deal on the back end.

I've heard over 2/3's of Americans have less than $1k in their checking account.To answer your question, I like your idea of being able to house hack, since your travel nursing job could leverage a unique position for your future.

This includes working with a knowledgeable agent familiar with your investment area, finding trustworthy local contractors for your projects, securing responsive insurance agents, partnering with investor-friendly title companies, and connecting with lenders offering suitable financing for your strategy.With your goals set and team in place, you should feel more confident in your approach.

When I start a design project a survey is one of the first items I need (after establishing a program and basic project feasibility). 

The good HML companies will look at the project closely with you, to make sure they think you're on the right track. 

But with our market and projected rental rates compared to our mortgage (with 2.99%) we decided the purchase price for a new primary would be more costly down the road than another rental. 

Drop your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below, and let's unlock the secrets to successful funding for fix and flip projects together

They generally have lists they can refer to.It's never 100% accurate because repairs on a newly bought building can quickly cascade into larger projects depending on what they find when they are on site.

If you're seeing a demand for unique homes on Airbnb, it could indicate a market opportunity for your project.

If we crush the rehab I think we can even push closer to 200Cash-Out Refi Amount: $131k (75% LTV of the conservative 175k figure) Profit if done as a flip: 60k. (175k - 115k purchase price & rehab)Cash Invested: 18k (This accounts for $7,500 for down payment to lender, $2,000 in EMD to seller, lender fees, inspection, insurance, title, projected 3 months holding costs at $1000 per month)----------------------------------------------------------------------------If I do it as a flip, from what I understand, I'll be hit with a ridiculous tax bill (24% short term capital gains + 15% self-employment tax), leaving me with roughly $36k after-tax profit. 36 - my 18 invested leaves me with 18k increase to my net worth.