I first started in investing though house hacking.

It’s a little more work to set up, but if you get a solid property manager, it’s not as scary as it sounds.If I were you, I’d keep digging into the Capitol region, NJ, and CT—compare the numbers, and maybe even start building connections with agents or wholesalers in those areas.

I started off with the standard turbo tax for 1099s and it felt limited.

I started as a real estate investor in Philly, but was disappointed with the GC's a subs I was finding. 

Trying to get started in Topeka.

Start small with strategies like house hacking, leveraging your hands-on skills for value-add properties, and building a strong team or network to reduce risks.

This had me thinking if I'm wrong and would like to start a discussion on the subject to see what ever one else does.

However there are lenders starting to roll out a 15% down option. 

The terms may be more favorable, if you are just starting out a bank maybe nervous to do 3 at once, therefore their perceived risk will likely be reflected in less favorable terms.     

For example, at the start, do you confirm if all persons in the house are aware of your presence, and do you ask if it is OK for you to open bedroom, bathroom and closet doors?