I also really enjoy the process of taking something old or rundown, and making it new again, I just love seeing the results even if it's just a fresh coat of paint.

As a parent to do this for a child, it is only acceptable if the child has a documented disability which prevents them from being able to work/ earn income.if parent/borrower is in one state and the child is in another state, i don't think this is an issue.

I realize that it is harder to start out of state but from what I've read/known the process is very similar to doing it in-state.

Depending how much you earn you can step up those savings by getting a side-hustle in any part of real estate....working for a top Real Estate office on weeknights and weekends, working for an RE Investor, working for a General Contractor and learning a few skills, etc.

6 month lease with the option to lengthen month to month at same priceThe tenants supplied a $1000 deposit and the insurance company gave us a $500 nonrefundable deposit and a $250 non refundable cleaning fee.So far, i'm happy with the process although the insurance company rep wasnt very responsive and took much longer to get the tenants in than it should have - mainly because they work 9-5 and no more.Regards,--Dave

If you're considering a 4-tenant retail development, I'll assume you've already performed a fair amount of the preliminary due diligence and evaluation such as:* identified actual demand for the product type in the market you are considering, along with supply in process within competition area to the proposed site.* understand current market rents for the type of tenant and construction you are considering, and at your specific location.* understand delivery timelines, TI schedules, and general construction process/permitting for you and the end users.* have identified the most likely tenants for the development in question, and understand the building criteria each have for spaces.If you haven't answered "Yes" to each of the above, I would recommend pausing until you have the above nailed down.

I suspect there are ways to speed up this process of decision-making. 

Then you start the whole process over with that property while you wait for that first property to season a bit so you can demonstrate an intent to hold. 

@Eric McginnI would only recommend it if you are ok with also having a strong chance you will have to foreclose at a later date on the borrower and go through that process .

The tax sale process is EXTREMELY messy.