I bought my primary residence last year, and actually got paid $7,000 at closing for a new construction house!

I’ve heard of folks borrowing from their personal network for a down payment, but is this actually used in practice?

Also, after reading RPI by Brandon Turner, I'm aware of multiple strategies, but since I've never actually invested or bought a property yet, I feel like I'm overwhelemd by all the options, and find it hard to get started. 

I suspect you are aware of San Diego’s appreciation being great but suspect you have not actually run numbers to determine how much it can impact your wealth.  

Renovate the bottom level, rent it out for a bit and recoup some costs, then renovate the upper level at a later date? 

Can you actually just create 3 STRs off that unit?

No actual profit last year.

DSCR loans are based off of down payment, credit score and either actual or market rents so it helps to supercharge an investor's real estate goals and net worth.

I am searching into the Plant City, FL area and actually going down to see a place this week.

LOL -  I actually like tax season now. :)  This year was a $45k return!