U can have zero experience and just need a few bucks and a  good credit score and you can buy a home to live in or a rental.. but not development deals.. different ball game

It's good to hear that you want to play the long-term hold game as that is how you'll ultimately build equity.  

A prominent MLO in the northeast was recently charged and stripped of his license for playing this game with his borrowers.Also, everything is reviewed by underwriting.

Originally posted by @Matthew Paul:If you live in Maryland , you have a better chance of hitting the lottery than receiving a concealed carry permit , forget open carry at all ( this is for a handgun ) .

I'm fairly new to the real estate game and currently have 2 properties; 4 bed 2 1/2 bath renters have been in there going on their 5th year, and a new 3 bed 2 bath we're looking into using for a midterm.I work as a radiology manager for Methodist and been with them going on 10 years.

RE investing is a numbers game so the more properties/options you look at, the higher the likelihood you'll land a good deal in a shorter amount of time.Only 6% of Suffolk 2-4 family properties listed since '23 have been triplexes and quads. 

You can utilize hard money for a BRRR or flip to get into the game. 

I am looking to get into the real estate game early and learn as much as possible, especially about house hacking and possibly short-term rentals.

It's part of participation trophy society where people get socially rewarded for just being in the game, but that shouldn't apply to real estate.

It does not matter whether you are starting a real estate business, restaurant, car wash, or amazon commerce business - the lender will first look at you and your partner and how much skin you have in the game, your experience and the risk of the loan not getting paid.