That's an anecdote, but it highlights that there's nothing special or magical there, lots of regional banks made similar decisions in 2020, and the big banks too: for a while, Wells Fargo would only do your "jumbo" refinance if you had $1,000,000 in a WF account. 2020 was an interesting "stress test" for a lot of things, it turns out.

I just wanted to know any tips that I should take as I start this journey.

Advice like add more leverage when you just took your first leap into investing is not good for your future investing journey.

Good luck on your journey,Paul

Congrats on taking steps to start your journey and keep us updated!

My name is Robin, I have started the big old crazy journey to finding financial freedom so I can focus on my passions more (Filmmaking and enjoying parenthood).

If not what State do you feel would be a great place to start an investment journey?

Hard to be in the cash-flow, expansion phase of your journey playing with a balance sheet / capital pres hand.   

Looking to consult with them about beginning our investment journey and hedging the risk in the best way for our situation.

I have never owned a home or property(and pay nothing back East) so given this and after some thought I feel like a house hack would be the best way for me to start my REI journey.