You don't say where you live now but if you have the flexibility why not consider buying a scary, run down house or 2 to 4 unit, renovating it and then living in one unit and leasing the others ? 

Can't get real world reviews on this eitherOhio Cashflow | Fully renovated & tenanted turnkey investment properties 

Otherwise, a HomeStyle Renovation loan may be more suitable if I want to keep it or flip it. 

We also budgeted travel for each project. 

You can try to compare different projects.

.• Property Condition: Assess property condition and potential renovation needs.• Rental Income: Determine potential rental income for each unit.• Expenses: Estimate operating expenses including property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, vacancies, and property management fees.• Financing: Explore options like FHA loans, conventional loans, or portfolio loans.• Cash Flow Analysis: Use a tool or spreadsheet to calculate projected cash flow.Based on your estimate of $300 per month in cash flow, make sure to verify that this aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

To me, there are always three parts to any transaction; finding the deal, finding the money, running the project. 

Loved working on this project!

I want to also know contractors that and designers that can help me getting going with a project,

My other coworker's contractor contact is who is doing the renovation.