Most mentors are good for getting people energized - Good mentors work with you step by step to get a house or two and teach you how to move along on your own - Great mentors teach how to buy and manage the properties, set up "systems & methods", along with providing other high level contacts, tax planning, asset protection & generational wealth, strategies for changing markets, and changes in the law.     

I would also really appreciate any advice that anyone can share for alternative methods of purchasing real estate with low money down, in my specific area.

I've got all sorts of BP vids lined up to enhance my knowledge on how to get the financing for continually adding new units, and may get everything I need there, but wanted to also ask for the methods you used to get started.Right now I have 0 units.

Enemy method for sure 

Hey Jakarri,Absolutely possible, however, I have really only seen two methods works successfully:1) A property manager relationship is boots on the ground for you.

Either way, you should spend your efforts on one or both of these methods. 

This is called the BRRRR method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat).Best of luck!

I work for the State of CA in all of there property Acquisitions, it is a very common method to pass on the right of Survivorship without probate. 1/3 Mother in law ; 1/3 You; 1/3 Your SpouseThis would account for any deaths in the family and pass right to the surviving owners. 

Naturally, these transfers can take a bit longer than cash accounts from a typical bank which can be wired in a matter of hours.

A couple of the reasons/concerns I am considering this:-Difficult to go the BRRRR method in the current market and actually find a deal (too many non-Texans, like myself originally paying way over market value on MLS)-I liked the work the builder did on our property, and we would ideally build a base model without much customization, and add forced appreciation in the second home while we live in it over time-I would like to take advantage of the current rates, as well as my VA benefit with the best strategy possible in starting the rental journey-I know our current home would rent and cashflow well (only con/concern is that our upgrades are on the higher end, rather than econo-rental-friendly: porcelain wood-look flooring, granite countertops etc.)