I know how eager you must feel to get started with real estate investing because i am in the same boat as you. 

For a very recent example of this see the thread started by "nicenurse" on Saturday about the boat her parents are in.REI is not for everyone, in fact it's not appropriate for MOST people.

Purchase price: $160,000 STR in Lake of The Ozarks with lakeview and boat dock with a lift.

I actually host meetups for newbie investors like yourself - they're a great place to connect with others in a similar boat as well as a few people that are just a few steps ahead of you. 

You missed the boat for the 20- 25% net caps (based on cash buys ) but you can still get 10% net caps.

I was on the boat with you.

I'm in the same boat and look forward to learning from folks on BP. 

The emerald coast (Navarre Beach to Panama City Beach) 1Beautiful Beaches: The Emerald Coast is known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular vacation destination.2Growing Tourism Industry: The area is experiencing steady growth in tourism, which means a steady demand for rental properties, making it an attractive market for real estate investment.3Outdoor Activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as boating, fishing, golfing, and hiking, which attract both tourists and residents.4Excellent Weather: With mild winters and warm summers, the Emerald Coast enjoys excellent year-round weather, making it an ideal place to own a vacation or investment property.5High Quality of Life: The Emerald Coast has a high standard of living, with excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and a low crime rate.7Diverse Real Estate Options: The Emerald Coast has a variety of real estate options, including beachfront condos, townhouses, single-family homes, and investment properties, to suit different budgets and preferences.8Favorable Market Conditions: The real estate market on the Emerald Coast has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with strong demand and increasing property values.9Proximity to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport: The Emerald Coast is easily accessible, with the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport located nearby, offering convenient access to major cities.10Active and Engaging Community: The Emerald Coast has an active and engaging community, with plenty of events, festivals, and activities that bring people together, making it an excellent place to live and invest.

😎It does look like I missed the boat regarding using A hard money lender this time up.

@Zachary DorffVery close to this same boat, so I’d like to follow comments.