I even was able to attract better contractors once the projects were in nicer neighborhoods - all thanks to other people's money.I guess I never looked at the cost of the money (fees/interest) as a negative, since I realized that in order to experience growth, capital would be necessary.

A group of markets?

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

My market has a low vacancy rate.  

Would you recommend to start with live in flips to build some capital?

Unfortunately for them the market at the time was slow.

Hi Varun,I've been investing and owning in the DFW markets since 2012, and foundation work is a common maintenance item. 

I also closely follow and invest in the stock market. 

But if it’s more substantial, like protecting the floor and adding years to its lifespan, then it’s likely an improvement, which means you’d need to capitalize it unless you can use that safe harbor.

I learned a good amount managing my own Airbnbs across different markets, and did a great job doing so, that gave me the idea to offer my services to other STR owners.