He now spends 1/3 what he did the first 2 years as his name is well established.  

Any mistake can create a domino effect and impact both investments.If your current investment is performing well, save up that money and use it to build a pile of cash for a new investment.

lol  (were up in the Dallas are though).After reading the posts (Joel, seems that you are knowledgeable but, all/most of your initial questions were already answered/provided in the original posting, need to read it through!)..

My current options include: Patio pavers (rubber and stone/brick)GravelCement padNothing/stick with grassThis is currently for my residence thats a house hack but I have a rental that the shed part of this applies as well.

The good news is that rents are high and climbing which supports a lot of the current properties but not some of what people are asking as @Jeff Rappaport has indicated as well. 

After a few years of doing this and saving aggressively I started doing BRRRRs with the capital and knowledge I had gained.I think it would be hard going from a single family to larger multi-family deals but anything is possible 

AAPL has been trying to stop using the word hard money because it has a negative connotation and move everything over to private lending.But Ned is right, I had always viewed it the way he has as well, but as a lender I have no friends, so I guess them I am allowed to use it interchangeably.The Demise of “Hard Money” in a Private Lending World | American Association of Private Lenders (aaplonline.com)

Jeff is also a licensed escrow/title officer so we close many transactions as well.

I'd suggest finding an investment brokerage that sources deals and double closes as well.

Just came across this issue as well.