Looking forward to hearing your thoughts Let’s make 2025 the year we all adapt and thrive in this ever changing market!

I'm making a healthy downpayment cash by doing a cash out refinance on three of my established properties that I know can cover the debt service handily.

Property management is not for the faint of heart, so glad to see you're enjoying it and thriving.

My personal preference for a buy and hold would be an already established area (or an area that's still gentrifying, but has already seen significant progress). 

In-person interactions are great for building trust with potential investors.Real Estate Platforms:BiggerPockets: A robust platform for connecting with private lenders and investors.Fund That Flip, PeerStreet, Groundfloor: Online platforms connecting investors with real estate projects.Social Media Groups: Facebook and LinkedIn groups dedicated to real estate investing often have private investors or lenders looking to connect.Personal Network: Often overlooked, but friends, family, and colleagues may know individuals interested in investing.Private Money Brokers: If you're working on wholesaling deals, you may find brokers who have established relationships with private money lenders.Real Estate Agents: Some agents have connections with private investors, especially those focused on investment properties.For your 50% LTV, it's good to approach investors who may be interested in lower-risk, high-equity deals.

BiggerPockets is an excellent platform for networking and establishing connections.

Are you open to working with contractors, or do you stick with established businesses only?

Well I may not be the most seasoned in the world but my wife and I have established processes that work for us. 

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

While it may seem daunting at first, beginning with a clean slate allows you to establish clear expectations and build a strong landlord-tenant relationship from the outset.